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J 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OV  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


March  1,  1850. 


1 


A  LIST  OE  BOOKS 


RECENTLY    PUBLISHED    BY 


TICKNOR,   HEED,   AND   FIELDS. 


iiOirGFEiiXiOvr'S  poems. 


THE  SEASIDE  AND  THE  FIUESIDE.     Just  is- 

sued.     Ill  one  volume,  16mo,  price  T5  cents. 
II. 

EVANGELINE  ;   a  Tale  of  Acadie.     In  one  vol- 

ume,  ICmOj  price  75  cents. 

HI. 

VOICES  OF  THE  NIGHT.     A  New  Edition.     In 

one  volume,  16mo,  price  75  cents. 

IT. 

BALLADS  and  OTHER   POEMS.      A  New  Edi- 

tion.     In  one  volume,  IGino,  price  75  cents. 

T. 

SPANISH  STUDENT.     A  Play  in  Three  Acts.     A 

JNew  Edition.     In  one  volume,  16mo,  price  75  cents. 

VI. 

BELFRY    OF   BRUGES    and   OTHER   POEMS. 

a  iNew  Edition.     In  one  volume,  16mo,  price  75  cents. 

VII. 

MR.  LONGFELLOW'S  COMPLETE  POETICAL 

VVoiiKS.  In  two  volumes,  I61110,  price  $-i  0((.  'I'his  edition  contains  the 
six  volumes  mentioned  above,  and  is  the  only  complete  collection  in  the 
market. 

VIM. 

THE  WAIF.     A  Collection  of  Poems.      Edited  by 

Longfellow.     A  New  Edition.     In  one  volume,  IGmo,  price  75  cents. 

IX. 

THE  ESTRAY.     A  Collection  of  Poems.     Edited 

by  Longfellow.     In  one  volume,  lOmo,  price  75  cents. 


A  LIST  OF  BOOKS  RECENTLY  PUBLISHED 


X.OITGFEI.I.O'W'S  FROSZ:  "WORKS. 


KAVANAGH.    A  Tale.     Lately  Published.    In  one 

volume,  ItJmo,  price  75  cents. 

II. 

OUTRE-MER.      A    Pilgrimage  Beyond  the  Sea. 

A  New  Edition.    In  one  volume,  IGmo,  price  SLOO. 
III. 

HYPERION.     A  Romance.     A  New  Edition.     In 

one  volume,  16mo,  price  $1.00. 


POETR'Sr. 


OLIVER  WENDELL  HOLMES.     Poems.     In  one 

volume,  ICmo.     New  Edition,  Enlarged.     Just  out.     Price  $1.00. 
II. 

CHARLES     SPRAGUE.       Poetical    and    Prose 

Writings.      Now   and   Revised   Edition.     With   fine  Portrait.     In  one 
volume,  16mo,  price  75  cents. 

III. 

JAMES    RUSSELL   LOWELL.     Complete    Poet- 

ICAL  Works.   Revised,  with  Additions.   In  two  volumes,  16mo,  price  Sl-50. 
IV. 

EPES    SARGENT.       Songs   of    the    Sea,    with 

Other  Poems.     In  one  volume,  ICmo,  price  50  cents. 
V. 

JOHN  G.  SAXE.     Humorous  and  Satirical  Poems. 

In  one  volume,  ICmo,  price  50  cents. 
VI, 

ROBERT     BROWNING.       Complete     Poetical 

Works.     In  two  volumes,  lljmo.    Price  S2.00. 
VII. 

ALFRED  TENNYSON.     Poems.     A  New  Edition. 

Enlarged,  with  Portrait.     In  two  volumes,  16mo,  price  $1  50. 
VIII. 

ALFRED  TENNYSON.   The  Princess.   A  Medley. 

Just  out.     In  one  volume,  Itimo,  price  50  cents. 
IX. 

WILLIAM   MOTHERWELL.     Poems,   Narrative 

and  LvniCAL.     A  New  Edition,  Enlarged.      In  one  volume,  IGmo,  price 
75  cents. 

X. 

WILLIAM  MOTHERWELL.   Minstrelsy,  Ancient 

and  Modern.   Wuhan  HISTORICAL  INTRODUCTION  and  NO'J'KS. 
In  two  volumes,  IGmo,  price  $1.50. 

XI. 

RICHARD  MONCKTON  MILNES.   Poems  of  Many 

Years.    In  one  volume,  IGmo,  price  75  cents. 


BY  TICKNOR,  REED,  AND  FIELDS. 


XII. 

LEIGH  HUNT.    Story  of  Rimini  and  Other  Poems. 

1»  one  volume,  16ino,  price  50  ceiils. 
SIII. 

REJECTED  ADDRESSES.     From  the  19th  London 

Edition.     Caredillv  Knvi*e(1.     Wiih  an   ()Rir;iN\L  Pkeface  arul  Notes. 
By  Horace  and  JaMeS  Smith.     In  one  volume,  IGmo,  price  .50  cents. 

XIV. 

BARRY  CORNWALL.      English  Songs  and  other 

Small  Poems.     In  one  volume,  ICrao,  price  75  cents. 

XV. 

JOHN  BOWRING.      Matins   and   Vespers,   with 

HvMNs  AND  Occasional  Devotional  Pieces.     In  one  volume,  3Jmo, 
cloth,  gilt  edges,  price  37  1-2  cents. 

EACH    OF     THE    ABOVE     POEMS    AND     PROSE  WRITINGS,   MAY   BE    HAD    IN 
VARIODS   STVLES    OF    HANDSOMB    BINDING. 


TILISCIll^JiA.NEOVS, 


ALDERBROOK  ;  A  Collection  of  Fanny  Forester's 

Village  Sketches,  Poems,  otc.      In   two  volumps,   I'Jmo,  with  a   finf> 
Portrait  of  the  Author.  A  New  Edition,  I'.nluigud.  Just  out.  PriceSl.75. 

11. 

GREENWOOD  LEAVES.     A  Collection  of  Grace 

GriEENvvoon's  Stories  anit   Letters.     In  one  volume,  Ji!mo.    Just  pub- 
lished.    Price  S1.25. 

til.     • 

NATHANIEL  HAWTHORNE.    The  Scarlet  Let- 

TER.     A  Romance.     In  one  volume,  lOmo. 

IV. 

HORACE  MANN.     A  Few  Thoughts  for  a  Voting 

xMan.     In  one  volume,  IGmo,  price  '25  cents. 

V. 

EDWIN  P.   WHIPPLE.      Lectures   on   Surjects 

CONNECTED  WITH    LiTERATUllE  AND   LiFE.      Ill  0[ie  voluino,  lUlIlO.    Just 
published.    Price  63  cents. 

Tl. 

JOHN  G.  WHITTIER.     Old  Portraits  and  Mod- 

EKN  Sketches.     In  one  volume,  IGmo.    Just  published.    Pi  ice  75  cents. 

VII. 

JOHN  G.  WHITTIER.     Margaret  Smith's  Jour- 

nal.     In  one  voluinu,  16mo.     Price  75  cents 

Vlll. 

HENRY  GILES.     Lectures,  Essays,  and  Miscel- 

LANEOus  Wkitinos.    Two  Volumes,  Itimo.     Price  5;L50. 

IX. 

THOMAS   DE  QUINCEY.     Miscellaneous    Wrt- 

TINGS,  inc.'udin?  the  "  Co.nfessions  of   a.n  E.nglish  Opium   Eater  " 
&c.  &.C.     (111  Press.) 


BOOKS  FUBLlSflED  BY  TICKNOR,  REED,  AND  FIELDS. 


THE  BOSTON  BOOK  for  1850.    Being  Specimens 

OF  Metropolitan  Literature.     In  one  volume,  ]2mo,  price  $1.25. 

XI. 

CHARLES  SUMNER.    Orations  and  Public  Ad- 

DRESSES.     In  two  volumes,  1-Jmo.     (In  Tress.) 

XII. 

HEROINES    OF    THE   MISSIONARY  ENTER- 

PRIZE.     Being    .Memoirs  op  Distinguished  American  Female  Mis- 
sionaries,     la  one  volume,  Jbmo. 


F.  W.   P.   GREENWOOD.     Sermons  of  Consola- 

TION.  A  New  ICililion,  on  v^ry  tine  paper  and  Jaige  type.  In  one  volume, 
Ibino,  price  ;$l.UU. 

^■"^      ••'      '  XIV. 

CHARACTERISTICS  OF  WOMEN  :  Moral,  Po- 

ETicAL  and  Historical.  By  Mrs.  Jameson.  New  Edition,  Corrected 
and  Enlarged.     In  ono  volume,  r2mo,  price  $1.00. 

XV. 

BEN  PERLEY  POORE.      The  Rise  and  Fall  of 

Louis  Philippe,  with  Pen  and  Pencil  Sketches  of  his  Friends  and  his 
Successors.     Portraits.    ^1,00 

XVI. 

ANGEL-VOICES  ;  or  Words  of  Counsel  for  Over- 
coming the  World.  In  one  volume,  18mo.  A  New  Edition,  Enlarged. 
Price  38  cents. 

XVII. 

THE  CONSTITUTION  OF  MAN  ;  Considered  in 

Relation  to  External  Objects.  By  George  Combe.  VVitli  an  Additional 
Chapter,  on  the  HAR.\U)NY  BETWEEN  PHRENOLOGY  AND  REV- 
ELATION. By  J.  A.  Warne,  A.m.  'I'wenty-seveiith  American  Edi- 
tion.    In  one  volume,  12mo,  price  75  cents. 


A  PRACTICAL  TREATISE  on  THE  CULTIVA- 
TION OF  'J'HE  GRAPE  VINE  ON  OPEN  WALLS.  To  which  is 
added,  a  Descriptive  Account  of  an  Improved  Method  of  Planting  and 
Alanaging  the  Boots  of  Grape  Vines.  With  Plates.  In  one  volume, 
12mo,  price  02  1-2  cunts. 

XIX. 

ORTHOPHONY  ;    Or  the  Culture  of  the  Voice  in 

Elocution.  A  .Manual  of  Elementary  Exercises,  adapted  to  Dr.  Kush's 
"  PHILOSOPHY  OF  i'llE  HUMAN  VOICE,"  and  the  system  of  Vocal 
Culture  introduced  by  Mr.  James  E.Murdoch.  Designed  as  an  Intbo- 
DUCTioN  to  Russell's  "AMERICAN  ELOCUTIONIST."  Compiled 
by  William  Russell,  author  ot  "  Lessons  in  Enunciation,"  etc.  Wiih 
a  Supplement  on  PURITY  OF  TONE,  by  G.  J.  Webb,  Professor,  Bo.^ton 
Academy  of  Music.  Improved  Edition.  In  one  volume,  12mo,  jirice 
621-2  cents. 

XX. 

MRS.  PUTNAM'S  RECEIPT  BOOK;  and  Young 

Housekeeper's  Assistant.  A  New  and  Enlarged  Edition.  In  one  vol- 
ume, Kiino,  price  5U  cents. 

XXI. 

LIGHTS  AND  SHADOWS  OF  DOMESTIC  LIFE. 

la  one  volu^ie,  lOmo. 


(y^it^Uo^^ai^ 


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Digitized  by  tine  Internet  Arciiive 

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^v-xiv  ^'  ^  ''^r.>. 


THE 


''MZ^ 


ANGEL    WORLD, 


OTHER    POEMS. 


BY 


PHILIP  JAMES  BAILEY, 

AUTHOR   OF   "fESTUS." 


BOSTON: 
TICK  NOR,    REED,    AND    FIELDS 

MDCCCL. 


PRINTED  BY  THURSTON,  TORRY,  AND  CO.,  BOSTON. 


CONTENTS 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD 1 

THE    RETURN     .......  78 

HYMN    OF    THANKS 81 

AUTUMN 83 

THE   RING 8G 

TO    THE    TRENT 80 

AN    ANCIENT    LEGEND      ......  92 

LONDON 97 

A    RUIN           .             .                          93 

A    FRAGMENT 99 

LOVERS  .  .101 

A    MYTH 102 

MORNING        ........  103 

A    MYSTERY 107 

PRAYER lOS 

HYBIN no 

KNOWLEDGE .112 


62^799 


THE  ANGEL  WORLD. 


It  was  a  holy  festival  in  Heaven, 
A  joy  of  satisfaction  at  the  close 
Of  some  divinest  epoch  of  the  world. 

Far  round  the  infinite  extremes  of  space 
Star  unto  star  spake  gladness,  as  they  sped 
On  their  resplendent  courses  ;  and  a  smile, 
Enkindling  on  the  countenances  of  the  suns, 
Thrilled  to  the  heart  of  nature,  while  there  rose. 
Expressive  of  divine  felicity, 
A  clear  bright  strain  of  music,  like  a  braid 
Of  silver  round  a  maiden's  raiment,  all 
Imbounding  and  adorninjT. 

There,  in  one 
Of  those  most  pure  and  happy  stars  which  claim 
Identity  with  Heaven,  high  raised  in  bliss, 
1 


»  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

Each  lofty  spirit  luminous  with  delight, 

Sat  God's  selectest  angels,  gathered  round 

The  golden  board  of  that  palatial  orb. 

In  spheral  order.     All  the  fruitage  there 

Of  the  immortal  Eden,  and  the  land 

Of  everlasting  Light  to  please  the  sense 

And  satisfy  the  soul,  the  Tree  of  Life 

In  all  its  bright  varieties  could  yield 

Was  lavished ;  and  its  fragrance  filled  the  skies. 

The  bright  blue  wine  as  though  exprest  from  Heaven 

Glittering  with  life  went,  moonlike,  round  and  round 

Times  sacredly  repeated  'mong  the  gods 

And  spirits  who  had  each  one  earned  his  star 

In  that  divinest  conclave,  as  they  held 

Deep  commune  on  the  wondrous  end  imposed 

By  the  Eternal  Saviour  of  the  world 

Upon  his  infinite  work  ;  —  and  all  the  harps  — 

Intwined  about  with  nectar-dropping  flowers 

Which  wither  not  though  culled  but  on  the  brow 

Or  in  the  bosom  bloom  as  in  their  fields  — 

Were  trembling  into  silence,  when  there  stepped, 

Unseen  before,  into  the  joyous  midst 

Of  that  bright  throng,  surprised  in  holy  ease, 

A  young  and  shining  angel. 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

In  his  air 
Sat  kingly  sweetness,  kind  and  calm  command, 
Yet  with  long  suffering  blended ;  for  the  soil 
Of  dust  was  on  his  garb  and  sandalled  sole  ; 
Dust  on  the  locks  of  fertile  gold  which  flowed 
From  his  fair  forehead  rippling  round  his  neck  ; 
Bedropt,  defiled,  with  cold  and  cave-like  dew. 
One  hand  a  staff  of  virent  emerald  held 
As  't  were  a  sapling  of  the  tree  of  life. 
And  one  smoothed  in  his  breast  a  radiant  dove 
Fluttering  its  wings  in  lightnings  thousand-hued, 
The  sole  companion  of  his  pilgrimage. 
Silent  he  stood  and  gazed. 

The  angels  straight 
Rose  from  their  pearly  seats  inwrcathcd  with  gems 
And  priceless  azure  from  the  morning's  mine. 
And  bowed  the  head  and  stretched  the  hand,  ere  yet 
One  welcoming  word  were  uttered.    Wine  and  bread- 
Bread  made  of  golden  wheat —  and  wine  of  life  — 
Such  only  as  immortal  virtues  use, 
Before  the  guest  were  set ;  and  cool  white  robes 
The  angels  gave  him,  floating  halo-like 
With  fleecy  glistening  round  his  fainting  limbs. 


4  THE    ANGEL    WOULD. 

Twain  of  the  thrones  at  once  their  seats  resigned  ; 
Ministrant  Princedoms  sang  again  the  strain 
Which  fills  the  halls  of  hospitable  Heaven 
When  that  the  holy  enter,  or  the  sons 
Of  Light  hold  high  and  hallowed  festival. 

Then  spake  the  chernb  chiefest  of  thcin  all  — 
Bright  Angel !  from  whatever  sphere  arrived, 
Supernal  and  celestial,  or  some  orb 
Far  off,  of  starry  nature,  —  for  the  toil 
Meseems,  of  travel,  weighed  upon  ye  erst, — 
Now  cheerily  relieved,  —  instruct  us,  pray. 
Who  here  assembled  sit  to  celebrate. 
By  kind  commission  of  our  Lord,  His  love, 
If  we  in  aught  thine  ends  can  further  aid 
Or  serve  in  thine  intents,  as  fain  we  would. 
For  all,  we  know,  is  holy  enters  here. 
By  virtue  of  our  King;  and  we,  prepared 
Again  for  sacred  action,  instant  are. 

Thus  he,  his  seat  resuming,  while  a  glance 

Of  bland  approval  beamed  forth  from  every  eye, 

Wise  reticence  still  reining-in  each  tongue. 


THE  ANGEL  WORLD, 

Answered  the  stranger  angel,  rising  slow, 
Sunlike,  from  out  his  seat  of  clouded  gold  — 
O  kind  !  O  noble,  natures  !  well  ye  work 
Your  ministry  of  love,  who  thus  pour  forth 
Unmeasured,  unconditioned,  your  divine 
Riches  of  works  and  words,  that  all  who  come. 
Whether  by  invitation  or  by  need, 
May  of  the  Sovereign's  bounty,  whom  ye  serve. 
Like  honour  with  Flis  chosen  friends,  receive  ; 
Accept  these  thanks,  this  blessing  !  — 

As  he  ceased, 
The  air  became  all  incense,  and  the  skies. 
As  though  endowed  with  native  sunlifc,  showered 
Around  on  all  their  iridescent  smiles. 

Oh  not  to  us,  rejoined  the  cherub  host, 
Be  gratitude  for  duty  barely  done  ; 
All  honour  is  our  Lord's.     To  Him  we  owe 
This  gracious  exaltation  o'er  the  world. 
Wherein  His  love  sustains  us  ;  His,  who  first 
By  one  Omnipotent  Fiat  breathed  us  forth  ; 
Who,  out  of  awful  non-existence,  us 
Translated  into  life,  and  turned  our  souls 


b  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

To  angel  constellations,  ranging  free 
Through  all  the  eternal  liberties  of  Light. 
But  if  thou  wilt,  oh  say,  most  holy  guest! 
Whom  we  account  us  blessed  to  receive, 
While  yet  the  day  doth  solemnize  the  skies. 
Wherefore  thou  hither  comcst,  —  how  treated  else 
In  other  worlds,  and  whither  now  ;  so  we, 
Haply,  may  wisdom  gather  from  thy  words. 
Or  help  afford  by  deeds. 

Then  once  again 
That  radiant  youth,  immortal  as  the  morn, 
Rose  from  the  Ci'own  of  Heaven,  and  bending  low 
Spake  with  a  soft,  bright  utterance,  like  the  voice 
Of  very  silence  musing  ;  —  so  serene 
His  parlance,  and  his  audience  so  attent. 

O  happy  angels,  heavenly  and  divine. 

To  whom  nor  sin,  nor  sigh,  nor  tear,  nor  woe, 

Not  even  in  imagination,  come  ; 

And  whose  free  lives  in  blest  obedience  pass 

To  one  law  pure,  and  sole  —  the  law  of  love  — 

How  shall  ye  hear,  or  I  relate,  the  griefs 

Of  orbs  disrupted  and  of  spirits  dyed 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  7 

In  blackest  sin  —  of  God's  high  rule  reject  — 

His  own  deputed,  exiled  —  rudely  thrust 

From  ancient  throne  and  old  dynastic  calm 

Thought  steadfast  and  eterne  —  and  through  the  blank 

Of  lifeless  night  compelled  to  wander  ;  where, 

But  that  afar  he  caught  the  friendly  glance 

Of  your  extreme  and  most  felicitous  star, 

He  might  perchance  have  wandered  still ;  but  since 

A  gracious  ear  to  stranger's  plaint  be  yours, 

Let  me,  in  briefest  wise,  recount  the  deeds 

Of  worlds  far  distant,  wherewithal  mine  own 

Be  somewhat,  and  not  wholly  dimly  blent ; 

That  ye  in  joy  thus  fortified,  may  thanks 

Give  for  your  peaceful  lot,  and  further  bless 

God,  who  hath  put  it  in  your  hearts  to  share 

Those  bounties  with  the  stranger,  ye  enjoy. 

To  Him  be  praise  and  worship  in  all  worlds  !  — 

Beyond  the  ken  of  angels,  in  the  midst 

Of  a  bright  ring  of  worlds,  an  orb  there  is  — 

There  is  —  ah  me  !  there  was  —  an  orb  of  light, 

Once  all  mine  own.     In  Heaven  mine  Angel-sire  — 

Such  blest  relations  are,  ye  know,  in  Heaven  — 

Abode,and  ruled  in  glory  many  a  tribe 

Elect  of  choicest  virtues,  He  Himself 


8  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

Sovereign  and  head  of  all  cherubic  thrones, 
Abiel  his  name,  mine  Beniel,  known  on  high, 
His  sole  Son,  and  ye  all  are  sons  of  God. 
This  orb,  I,  trusted  with  supremest  powers 
Paternal  love  could  lend,  myself  had  framed, 
Myself  with  life  endowed  and  loving  things, 
All  life  is  sacred  in  its  kind  to  Heaven, 
And  all  things  holy,  beautiful,  and  good. 
There  angels  dwelt  as  in  the  bosom  of  bliss ; 
Peace,  piety,  and  innocence  and  joy 
Made  up  the  square  of  Being.     Worship  was 
The  very  air  they  lived  in,  righteousness 
The  ground  they  trode  and  builded  on. 

A  land 
It  shewed  of  fountains,  flowers,  and  honied  fruits. 
Of  cool  green  umbrage,  and  incessant  sun  ;  — 
The  rainbow  there  in  permanent  splendour  spanned 
The  skies  by  ne'er  a  cloud  deformed,  of  hue 
Sterner  than  amber  ;  while  on  every  hand 
The  clear  blue  sti'eams  singing  and  sparkling  ran 
The  bloomy  meads  to  fertilize  ;  while  some 
With  honey,  nectar,  manna,  milk,  and  wine, 
Fit  for  angelic  sustenance  slow  flowed. 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

Here  palaces  and  cities,  midst  of  groves, 
Like  giant  jewels  set  in  emerald  rings  ; 
There,  too,  the  bowery  coverture  of  woods, 
Ancient  and  dense,  laced  with  all-tinted  flowers. 
Wherein  were  wont  to  sojourn  in  all  peace. 
Lamb,  lion,  eagle,  ox,  dove,  serpent,  goat. 
And  snow-white  hart,  each  sacred  animal 
Cleansed  from  all  evil  quality,  sin-instilled. 
Speaking  one  common  tongue,  and  gathered  oft 
In  wisest  parley,  'neath  the  sacred  tree 
Centring  each  mazy  pleasance,  intersect 
With  an  invisible  bound  ;  so  sweet  the  force 
Of  nature,  heavenly  sanctioned. 

All  went  well 
For  many  a  sunny  cycle.     Year  by  year 
The  souls  of  all  things  there  were  ripening  fast 
To  spirit-like  perfection  ;  day  by  day 
Grew  spirithood  to  deathless  angel  kind  — 
Angelic  nature  to  Divine  estate. 
It  seemed  a  happy  contest  which  of  all 
Should  happiest  be. 

Among  that  heavenly  race 
There  dwelt  two  angel-sisters,  nymphs  divine, 


10  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

The  daughters  of  the  Lord  of  gods  and  men, 
Star-dowered,  light-portioned,  forms  full  realized 
Of  the  Eternal  Beauty. 

Yet  how  unlike 
Their  nature,  and  their  loveliness  ;  in  one 
A  soul  of  lofty  clearness,  like  a  night 
Of  stars,  wherein  the  memory  of  the  day 
Seems  trembling  through  the  meditative  air  — 
In  whose  proud  eye,  one  fixed  and  arklike  thought 
Held  only  sway  ;  that  thought  a  mystery  ;  — 
In  one,  a  golden  aspect  like  the  dawn  — 
Beaming  perennial  in  the  Heavenly  east  — 
Of  paly  light ;  she  ever  brightening  looked 
As  with  the  boundless  promise  unfulfilled 
Of  some  supreme  perfection  ;  in  her  heart 
That  promise  aye  predestinate,  alvvay  sure, 
Her  breast  with  joy  suffiising,  and  so  wrought. 
Her  sigh  seemed  happier  than  her  sister's  smile  : 
Yet  patient  she  and  humble. 

Of  this  twain 
The  elder  my  betrothed  was,  to  me 
In  antemundane  ages,  by  my  sire. 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  11 

As  of  like  royal  issue  with  myself, 
And  seed  divine  reserved  ;  yet  so  disposed 
Of  this  bright  orb  the  triple  herison, 
That  ere  the  elder  entered  on  the  whole, 
The  younger  should  the  fair  domain  enjoy 
Of  her  own  chosen  portion  and  delight. 
Such  the  decree  forestablished  from  of  old. 
Who  shall  gainsay  the  will  supreme  of  God  ? 
For  both  He  loved  right  well,  but  for  my  sake 
The  first  the  best,  with  whom  was  most  secured 
The  bliss  of  all. 

The  younger  now  had  reigned 
In  meekest  wise  for  many  a  moonlike  age 
O'er  her  select  dominion  ;  and  delight 
Leapt  up  its  highest,  when  the  news  made  known 
By  Wisdom,  their  high  governante,  spread  abroad 
Of  nuptials  nearing  celebration.     Vast 
And  rich  in  festive  splendour  were  commenced 
The  sacred  preparations  :  every  heart 
Impatient  for  the  high  propitious  hour 
When  the  Bride  Queen  of  their  own  angel  race 
With  me  enthroned  should  sit,  and  rule  with  me. 


12  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

Midst  all  this,  suddenly  a  stranger  star 

Swordlike  in  shape,  as  waved  by  hand  unseen, 

Far  off  in  space  appeared  ;  eclipsing  swift 

All  lesser,  nearer  lights  which  nature  shewed. 

So  rapidly  from  end  to  end  it  flew 

Of  Heaven's  horizon  —  even  as  though  it  scorned 

The  quiet  skies  of  that  ecstatic  sphere, 

I  spake  of —  that  the  third  night  it  had  vanished 

Into  the  unknown  infinite  below  ; 

When  to  their  wondering  eyes  the  morrow  morn. 

Waked  out  of  darkness  into  daily  light, 

A  marvel  mightier  than  the  sworded  star  — 

Which  I  alone  perceived  the  Evil  one 

Had  there  unsheathed  in  Heaven  where  late  it  flamed 

Behold,  was  present. 

Bands  of  angels  —  whence 
Was  known  not — thronged  the  groves  and  palaces. 
Which  decked  our  paradisal  world,  in  air 
And  aspect,  fair  yet  foreign,  and  distinct 
Their  every  action  with  a  shining  grace 
Which  like  a  lodestar  chained,  unfelt,  the  eye  ; 
And  made  their  loveliness,  exceeding  far 
The  holy  beauty  of  the  original  tribes  — 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  13 

Erstwhile  so  happy  —  fatal.     For  these  first 

The  heart  divided,  once  entirely  God's, 

Whole  and  without  a  flaw ;  first  tuned  their  lyres 

To  angel-love  alone,  but  half  divine  ; 

First  taught  to  separate  self  from  Deity. 

Yet  seemed  they  not  to  teach  but  rather  fled 

All  serious  converse  and  instruction,  soon 

Curtailing  worship  and  prolonging  rest ; 

As  though  true  worship  were  not  union  high 

With  the  Great  Lord  and  universal  Good, 

Worthy  of  worship  ceaseless  and  by  all. 

These,  after  mingling,  as  by  chance  or  choice 
In  holy  celebrations,  when  first  asked 
Their  rank  to  name,  and  order,  made  reply 
They  were  the  youngest  offspring  of  the  Heavens, 
Children  of  bliss  and  knowledge,  richly  dowered 
With  singular  joys  and  rare  immunities;  — 
That  they  were  spirits  of  freedom,  and  their  suit 
And  servage  voluntary,  whence  alone 
Budded  what  little  merit  they  possessed  ; 
As  otherwise  their  gracious  Lord,  they  said. 
Were  mocked  with  forced  compliance  ;  that  all  good 
Sprang  from  the  natural  impulse  of  their  souls 


14  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

And  the  proud  pleasure  of  pure  liberty  ; 

That  they  the  measure  of  the  skies  fulfilled 

The  complement  of  all  extremes  of  light  ; 

Of  all  celestial  essence  they  the  sum, 

And  after  them  was  nothing  ;  —  which  to  preach 

Of  their  own  selves  was  their  sole  business  there 

Wandering  where'er  to  wander  pleased  them  best. 

Like,  but  unequal,  as  the  eye  to  Heaven, 
Errors  the  shape  of  truths  put  on  ;  as  clouds 
The  forms  of  isles  and  continents  assume. 
From  whence  they  sprang,  suspended  in  the  skies. 

With  such  like  words,  so  falsely  seeming  true, 

And  ofttimes  urged,  were  many  led  aside 

To  question  —  doubt  —  deny  —  at  last,  cast  off 

The  holy  law  ordained  of  Deity 

Which  makes  His  love  sustaining  Spirit  alone 

The  cause  and  reason  of  all  righteousness. 

All  peace,  all  bliss ;  freewill  the  synonyme 

Of  selfish  nature  as  opposed  to  God, 

Blown  up  with  self  conceived  deserts,  and  proud 

To  prove  its  own  an  independent  power 

Held,  in  duality,  with  Him  on  high. 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  15 

Vain,  foolish,  impious  thought  for  aye  begone  ; 
With  all  things  false  and  foul  for  ever  cease  !  — 

These,  by  divine  permission,  to  myself 
Such  secretly  confided,  to  the  end 
Which  ye  ere  long  shall  wot  of,  presently 
Seceded,  —  yet  remained  on  outward  terms 
With  their  unshaken  brethren  as  before. 
But  oh !  the  absolute  excellence  was  gone. 
The  plane  of  pure  perfection  broken  through  ; 
It  was  as  though  some  galaxy  of  stars 
Had  sunk  and  left  a  horrid  rent  in  Heaven, 
A  ragged  flaw  athwart  the  sapphirine  floor, 
A  foul  chaotic  chasm. 

Still  further  spread, 
As  from  some  central  and  impulsive  point 
In  ceaseless  radiation,  day  and  night. 
Fresh  errors,  and  reiterate  wrongs  and  jars. 
In  vain  I  throned  myself  in  judgment  hall 
Uttering  decrees  predestined  as  of  yore  ; 
In  vain  I  walked  among  them,  beckoning  back 
Such  as  in  false  society  had  strayed  :  — 
In  vain  I  warned  of  evil ;  shewed  them  all 


16  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

How  God's  exterminating  judgments  fell 
Ever  on  sin,  with  woe  to  whom  they  came. 
The  testimony  came  to  all  in  vain. 

The  disaffection  spread.     Oh  !  still  I  weep 
Recalling  that  declension,  sad  and  wide  !  — 

By  unsuspected  frankness,  having  gained 
Free  access  soon  to  the  imperial  Bride 
The  strangers  next  their  machinations  plied 
Against  the  holy  guide  and  nurse  divine, 
Immortal  Wisdom,  'neath  whose  bounteous  care 
Had  grown  those  angel  sisters,  since  their  birth 
In  the  arcancst  Heavens.     Her,  soon,  alas  ! 
The  wily  wanderers  whispered  first  away, 
From  wonted  inculcation  of  deep  lore 
And  lioly  truths,  as  narrowing  down  the  souls 
And  marring  the  free  actions  and  intents 
Of  the  angelic  pair  ;  to  which  base  cheat 
The  elder  —  not  the  wiser  —  won  too  well 
By  much  and  false  persuasion,  at  the  last. 
Gave  in  nor  rued  till  after ;  so  mistaught 
To  cladden  at  the  lack  of  all  restraint 
Upon  the  natural  world-commandhig  will. 


THE    ANGEL    WOULD.  17 

Not  so  the  younger,  who,  with  tears  profuse, 

Grieved  at  the  doom  of  parting  froni  her  guide, 

The  severance  from  her  holy  tutelage. 

And  losing  of  the  golden  words  of  life 

Which  her  instructress  taught  her,  who  instilled 

Into  her  soul  the  sacred  elements 

Of  universal  truth  ;  and  gave  to  taste, 

In  prelibation  of  supremest  bliss, 

The  essence  of  all  knowledge. 

God,  she  taught, 
Himself  was  truth  and  justice,  good  and  love, 
The  infinite  reality,  the  one  ; 
Out  of  the  unknown  darkness  of  the  depths 
Of  His  great  Being  all  existence  sprang, 
In  various  forms  and  multitudinous  spheres, 
Innumerous  as  the  atoms  of  the  light. 
Or  as  the  sands  Time's  mighty  year-glass  holds, — 
Though  it  comprise  all  deserts;  that  with  Him 
All  nature's  vast  and  elemental  limbs 
Are  but  the  organs  of  His  will,  Himself 
Above  all  bound,  above  all  infinite  ; 
Whose  action  is  all  freedom  —  whose  repose 
Necessity  —  whose  only  word  is  Fate  ; 
a 


18  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

With  Him  alone,  she  taught,  was  peace  and  bliss ; 

The  bliss  of  Being  is  the  love  of  God  — 

And  primal  beauty  and  eternal  joy, 

Whereof  the  vital  music  of  all  orbs 

Forms  but  the  faintest  echo ;  and  the  sign 

Minutest  of  His  high  celestial  will 

To  harmonize  creation,  and  reduce 

The  pure  perennial  war  of  good  and  ill, 

Into  the  musical  peace  which  rules  in  Heaven  — 

Peace,  victress  of  all  war.     For  so,  in  Time, 

The  one  and  many  make  themselves  the  all ;  — 

Beauty  the  boundless  medium,  Love  the  end 

Immutable,  which  renders  all  things  one  ;  — 

And  though  in  outer  worlds  an  outward  war 

There  is,  yet  in  the  spiritual  world. 

The  secret  harmony  of  good  and  ill, 

Which  Being  with  existence  reconciles 

In  the  mid  axis  of  necessity  — 

Prevails  and  hallows  finally  the  whole. 

So  Wisdom  made  her  favourite  wise  of  heart. 

And  led  the  loved  one  through  all  holy  spheres 

And  dwellings  of  seraphic  bliss,  and  homes 

Of  perfect  pleasure  —  even  as  the  sun 

Wades  through  the  golden  waters  of  the  world 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  19 

Up  to  the  top  point  of  the  tower  of  Time, 

Then  steep  descends  —  down  to  the  lowest  nook 

Of  furthest  space,  where  earth  spins  round  like  clay 

Upon  the  potter's  wheel,  the  orb  where  bode 

The  last  of  happy  beings,  and  the  first 

Of  wretched  creatures — semimortal  man  — 

Whose  clay  was  tempered  with  a  lymph  divine, 

The  ante-natal  wave  of  Paradise, 

And  fourfold  fount  of  nature's  heavenly  flow  ;  — 

Yet  so  self  hidden  in  the  cloud  of  sin  — 

So  misadvised  by  those  whose  souls  perfused 

With  earth-pent  vapours  and  the  reek  of  time. 

Falsely  oracular  sit  and  agonize. 

Preaching  perdition  —  that  though  high  in  Heaven 

The  sunsmile  of  Salvation  beamed,  it  beamed 

Unrecognized  —  unrecked  of —  undivined. 

Still  after  all  these  wanderings,  knowing  well 

One  single  soul  more  wondrous  than  all  worlds 

Which  mass  the  skies  with  miracles  of  light, 

They  rapture  most  and  sweet  contentment  found, 

Coolly  triumphant,  like  the  restful  stars 

Glowing  in  Heaven  when  Time's  hot  day  is  done, 

Each  in  their  proper  orb  and  common  sphere  ; 

To  meditative  converse  most  devote. 


20  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

And  strict  collation  of  the  Spirit-book 
With  the  pretemporal  volume,  wi'it  of  God  ; 
High  in  the  archives  of  eternity- 
Treasured,  the  pure  original  of  Life. 

The  elder  Excellence,  meanwhile,  who  longed 

For  pure  and  mere  autocracy,  unchecked  — 

Unled  —  uneyed  —  ruled  with  a  random  hand, 

And  an  occasional  sovereignty  the  all 

But  full  totality,  allotted  her. 

Of  the  original  myriads  of  her  race. 

These  loved  her  well ;  and,  willingly,  themselves 

Ascribed  to  her  for  ever,  for  that  she 

Gave  them  all  freedom,  wherefore  in  return 

They  were  her  slaves  in  gratitude  :  and  ripe 

Any  desire  to  grant  or  scheme  abet. 

Which  pleased  herself,  or  those  intent  to  please. 

Counsel,  however  sage,  and  precept  fair, 
Which  seemed  to  savour  of  superior  will, 
Or  tendency  to  better  ends  than  theirs, 
AVere  treason  held  at  last,  and  Wisdom's  words, 
Bewrayed  by  guile,  into  a  net  were  wrought, 
For  her  own  shining  feet ;  —  alas,  the  day  ! 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  21 

Long  was  a  pretext  sought,  and  baffled  oft ; 

But  never  failure  followed  ill  intent 

And  base  success  still  sealed  each  fatal  plot. 

The  hour  of  parting  came,  and  Wisdom  wrung 
Her  high  uplifted  hands  —  nor  breathed  —  unless 
To  her  she  loved,  that  youthful  saint  —  farewell  ;  — 
Which  well  she  wist  were  but  a  mock  to  make 
Of  valediction.     How  could  that  she  left, 
By  any  chance,  fare  well  ? 

Yet  still  she  stayed, 
Lingering  around  that  once  supremest  sphere 
Where,  with  the  sister  angels  of  her  care. 
In  days  of  holy  innocence  and  love, 
She  was  of  Eld  so  happy.     Oft  she  made 
For  flight,  but  pausing,  dropped  ;  and  thus  consumed 
Her  last  night  there,  till  every  star  had  waned 
Into  the  coming  light ;  and  then  her  way 
Upon  her  own  bright  wings  she  took  to  Heaven. 

The  vanishing  flash  of  her  aeonian  wing 
Called  forth  a  burst  of  triumph  from  the  train 
Of  those  insinuant  tempters,  as  they  marked  — 


22  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

What  close  in  deep  divan  they  long  had  hoped  ;  — 
And  toward  the  elder  of  the  angel  twain, 
Those  regal  nymphs,  inheritors  of  Heaven, 
Laden  with  crown  and  robe  and  sceptre,  rushed 
Tumultuous  —  and  applausive,  hailed  her  thus. 

Be  thou  our  Queen,  O  lofty  angel  fair ! 

Worthy  the  sole  and  unobstructed  rule 

Of  every  sphere  and  every  spirit  race  ; 

Heart-honoured  —  Heaven-ordained  —  predestined  heir 

Of  the  bright  line  of  ages  numberless  ! 

Since  God,  creating  atoms,  first  began. 

And  ended  with  this  universal  world. 

Thou  hast  beheld  no  equal,  nay  no  like. 

Thee  only  we  acknowledge,  and  for  this, 

Hold  our  ai'rival  blessed.     Empress,  hail !  — 

Then  she  elate,  and  with  pride-blinded  soul. 
The  towering  seat,  prepared  for  her,  assumed  — 
And  sat  a  sceptred  monarch. 

Far  and  wide 
The  tidings  flew  that  I  and  all  my  rule 
Were  thrust  aside  ;  and  in  the  judgment  seat 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

I  sat  and  none  attended  ;  or  but  came, 
"With  false  fictitious  cause,  to  scoff  and  jeer. 

Then  came  an  edict  of  perpetual  ban 
And  forcible  exile  'gainst  myself,  and  all 
Who  dared  the  fallen  fortunes  to  support, 
Or  but  to  name  as  lawful.     Thus  the  sword. 
Whose  fiery  emblem  glared  at  first  in  air. 
Reigned  and  divided  all  things.     Every  gate 
Of  every  temple  straight  was  closed  —  and  lo  ! 
Each  high  and  heaven-allusive  dome  was  filled 
With  hollow  sounding  emptiness  alone. 

Once  —  in  the  midst  of  their  assembly  high, 
And  in  the  palace  hall,  where  erst  were  held 
The  courts  of  joy  and  audiences  of  love,  — 
Once  I  essayed  to  speak  and  hearing  hoped. 
But,  ere  a  word,  they  bound  me  by  the  hands. 
And  drave  me  out  with  curses,  taunts,  and  gibes. 
Passing,  thus  manacled,  the  new  made  tlirone 
Where  sat  the  crowned  traitress,  of  her  crime 
Conscious,  and  trembling  'mid  the  array  of  state 
That  girt  her  in,  brightly,  I  spake  ;  —  but  not 
In  anger  nor  revenge ;  for  I  foresaw 


23 


24  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

The  wretched  end  of  all  such  mortal  sin, 
And  knew  tlie  holy  purposes  of  Heaven 
Alone  eternal  and  essential  good  ;  — 
Behold  me  thus  ;  I  quit  thee  ;  't  is  thy  will. 
Me  thou  forswearest,  who  had  loved  thee  more 
Than  all  the  tribes  of  angels,  love  thee  still, 
Despite  the  flatteries  wherewith  now  thy  soul 
Is  darkened  and  degraded.     Know  me  true 
The  hour  will  come  when  thou  shalt  hold  me  yet 
Dearer  than  now  detested  ;  but  't  is  thou 
Shalt  change,  not  I.     Watch,  for  I  come  again. 

She  answered  with  a  smile,  but  trembled  whilst : 
And  I  departed  that  unhallowed  hall. 

In  this,  too,  God  permitted  them  success  — 
And  in  far  more,  that  at  the  close  He  might 
Their  highest  height  o'ertop,  and  with  the  arms 
Of  love,  all-conquering,  fling  forth  more  supreme 
His  thrice  victorious  standard.     Such  His  will ; 
Such,  even  in  exile,  now,  the  due,  the  dear 
Obedience  of  my  heart ;  for  well  I  knew 
To  change,  or  re-create,  with  Him  perdured 
As  facile  as  to  make. 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  25 

The  younger  angel  maid 
Who  dauntless  kept  her  faith,  and  still  with  me 
Held  sad  and  sacred  commune  —  though  by  stealth  — 
Was  suffered  to  remain,  close  cloistered  first, 
In  solitude  religious,  for  that  they 
The  Empress'  mind  who  swayed,  dared  not  advise 
To  put  her  quite  to  death  ;  and  that  the  tie 
And  natural  sympathy  of  sisterhood, 
The  memory  of  the  excellent  times  of  old, 
And  flickering  purposes  of  future  years 
Which  played  about  the  heart  of  her  enthroned, 
Together,  wrought  to  spare  her  and  preserve. 
Anon,  though  bidden  (o  busy  herself  alone 
With  her  own  matters  and  those  mixed  with  them — 
She,  at  convenient  times,  permission  wrung 
To  walk  abroad  and  tend  her  charities  ; 
But  only  in  the  humblest,  homeliest  guise. 
And  as  the  Queen  had  shrunk  not  to  abjure 
All  past  —  all  present  —  and  all  future  love. 
Between  her  and  myself — her  whilom  Lord  — 
The  younger  in  derision,  they  who  mocked 
Both,  called  the  Bride  Expectant  and  the  Spouse. 

Now,  what  a  change  came  o'er  that  orb  serene! 


26 


THE    ANGEL    WOULD. 


Through  all  the  day  was  revelry  and  mirth  — 
No  respite  knew  the  night,  till  no  one  recked 
Of  natural  order  or  of  dues  divine. 
While  the  neglected  damsel  at  the  gates 
Of  her  imperious  sister  —  at  whose  beck 
All  luxuries  started  into  life  and  use  ;  — 
In  servile  garb,  and  oft  with  ashes  crowned 
As  in  contempt,  an  outcast  sat  forlorn. 

O  !  royal  menial  —  O  !  imperial  thrall  — 
Companion  of  the  angels  in  their  height ! 
How  lowly  art  thou  fallen  ;  and  yet  how  pure, 
Seen  in  the  sin  consuming  light  of  God  — 
How  meek  —  how  perfect  in  all  servitude  !  — 

These  contumelies  and  worse,  unvexed,  she  bore 
Unheeding,  uncomplaining.     Day  by  day  — 
Her  to  impress  with  due  sense  of  disgrace, 
Was  she  led  in,  before  the  obsequious  crowd. 
In  sackcloth  clad,  to  make  obeisance  meet 
Unto  the  Sisterly  Majesty,  which  she 
Coldly,  for  peace-sake,  made  ;  nor  all  hope  lacked 
That  some  few  gold-grains  Time  might  number  still 
Among  the  barren  sands  he  measured  forth  ;  — 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 


27 


That  Wisdom  yet  might  wonn  with  them  again 

And  her  usurping  sister,  still  beloved, 

Though  for  this  deed  condemned,  her  seat  resign 

To  the  divine  dynasty.     In  this 

Hope  she  survived,  nor  wholly  stood  alone. 

While  all  —  almost —  in  that  strange  change  of  rule 

And  law  agreed,  a  certain  few  there  were 

Nathless,  within  whose  hearts  the  echoes  staid 

Of  those  last  words  I  uttered  ;  and  these  found 

Joy  unconceived  in  hoping  still  they  might 

In  act  be  verified  ;  and  oft  —  as  best 

They  could  —  they  comforted  the  angel  child. 

Daily  and  nightly,  she,  upon  her  knees, 
Besought  God  to  rekindle,  in  the  hot 
And  blinding  darkness  of  her  heart  who  ruled, 
The  lovelight  of  His  presence,  and  to  quench 
The  desolating  river  of  their  wrath  — 
Who  first  infested  that  fair  world  with  sin. 

At  night  too,  in  the  wilderness  we  met  — 
For  what  was  once  a  garden  shewed  but  then 
A  drear  and  desert  wold :  and  there  from  her, 


28  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

I,  banished  —  learned  what  things  and  how  befel :  — 
And  me  she  never  left  without  a  prayer  — 
Despite  the  wrongs  I  suffered  with  herself, 
Wrongs  which  too  many  loudly  joyed  to  hear  — 
That  I  for  all  would  pray  and  intercede. 

There  were  who  spared  not  breath  to  shew,  that  she 
Strove  in  my  heart  her  sister  to  supplant  ; 
Though  I,  who  knew  her  well,  knew  better  far  — 
And,  for  that  she  was  faithful,  sought  to  bound 
All  blessing  in  herself — and  circumscribe 
Through  forfeiture  of  infidelity, 
The  promise  made  to  both,  of  highest  bliss, 
Which  from  their  birthplace  they  had  brought  with 
them  : 

And  writ  in  silvery  phylacteries  hung  — 

In  the  one  openly,  the  other  hid. 

As  though  ashamed  thereof —  around  their  brows  ; 

That  so  they  might  be  known  —  those  twins  divine  — 

The  daughters  of  the  Most  High  God. 

To  each 
As  creatural  life,  was  trial  still  decreed. 
That  they  might  know  to  relish  good  and  joy  — 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  29 

The  woe  of  saintly  innocence  accused  — 

The  purifying  suffering  of  sin. 

Yet  such  —  although  they  knew  not  this —  that  both 

Should  vanish,  and  good  only  and  pure  joy 

Encrown  each  other  finally.     In  all 

Worlds  there  are  truths  and  secrets  only  known 

And  justifiable,  to  Him  who  laid 

Their  sure  foundations  ;  trembling  though  they  stand 

Upon  the  countless  columns  of  the  air. 

By  secret  instigation  thus  the  heart 
Was  poisoned,  of  the  Angel  Queen,  to  shun, 
/And  doubt  her  innocent  sister.     Time  by  time 
Such  imputations  cast,  failed  not  to  work 
Wrath  in  the  royal  breast,  though  reckless  all 
Of  former  love,  or  future.     'T  was  enouirh 

a 

So  proud  presumption  were  but  whispered  round  ; 
Thus  visited. 

Within  the  central  square, 
Fronting  the  glittering  palace,  stood  the  throne  — 
Which  changed  so  much  the  aspect  of  that  orb. 
And  which  I  told  of  first  —  whereon  each  day 
She,  ministering  blind  justice,  sat  absorbed 


30  THE    ANGEL    WOULD 

In  love  of  her  own  empery ;  rapt  to  hear 

The  adulation  of  her  foreign  train  ; 

To  trifle  with  her  sceptre  as  a  toy, 

And  court  the  rainbow  flashes,  startling  bright, 

Of  the  star-gemmed  tiara  ;  to  her  eyes 

Jewels  well  worth  the  satrapies  of  Heaven  ;  — 

Rich  in  all  fancied  virtues  to  attract 

Good,  or  from  evil  fend  ;  the  which  same  gems 

She  oft  would  deftly  moralize,  and  prove 

To  the  subservient  glozers  ranged  around, 

How  well  they  did  become  her,  how  much  stead, 

The  breast,  the  brow  whereon  they  dazzling  lay ; 

Now  gleaming  forth  defiant,  now  reposed 

In  silent  capabilities  of  light. 

There,  in  her  radiant  siege,  that  angel  Queen  — 

What  time  the  Sister,  so  abased  as  wont 

Meekly  came  forth  in  pale  humility. 

Low  bending  like  the  crescent  moon,  when  first 

Born  of  the  golden  calm  the  western  sky 

Rejoiceth  in,  prophetic,  to  perform 

Due  reverence  —  sat,  and  eyed  askance  ;  then  spake  ; 

While  o'er  her  head  attendants  from  behind  — 

Pavonian  canopy  of  azure  held, 


THE    ANGEL    WOKLD.  31 

In  manner  of  a  sunshade,  her  to  screen 

From  the  high  glory  that  would  else  have  slain :  — 

Fair-seeming  Sister,  is  it  true  that  thou  — 

In  my  default  —  aspirest  to  espouse 

The  angel  prince,  my  sometime  lord  and  lover, 

He  exiled,  thou  in  bonds  ?     If  so,  content. 

Ye  well  befit  each  other,  and  so  far 

As  merits  make,  are  equal,  in  my  mind. 

Answered  the  younger  of  the  twain  divine. 

O  heavenly  consort !  —  O  affianced  bride 

Of  God's  own  Son  !     Be  there  'tween  thee  and  me 

Nor  struggle,  nor  misdoubt.     They  both  malign, 

Who  sow  the  seeds  of  discord  broad-cast  here. 

We  each  have  our  forenoted  lot.     Be  mine  — 

The  power,  the  privilege  of  servitude. 

Be  thine,  command.     My  faith  can  never  change. 

But  thou  hast  fallen  from  service  to  a  throne  — 

Though  he  who  ever  loves,  nor  swerves  from  that 

His  heart  hath  fixed  on  once  —  with  me  consort, 

It  is  but  for  a  season,  and  our  talk 

Is  of  thee  always.     Countless  prayers  are  thine. 


32  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

I,  too,  have  my  devotions,  and  serve  God 
Doubtless,  although  I  worship  not  with  thee. 
Replied  the  elder,  bowing  from  her  throne  ; 
We  worship  each  our  star,  but  all  in  Heaven. 

We  may  not  worship  but  the  Invisible  ;  — 
Answered  the  younger,  firm. 

No  matter,  now  ; 
Rejoined  the  angel  monai*ch,  smiling  bright 
On  her  confederated  beguilers  round  : 
Who  smoothly  sanctioned  every  pearly  word 
That  beauteous  and  imperial  rebel  spake  ;  — 
My  temple  is  my  heart.     My  seat  is  fixed 
Here  in  the  midst  of  friends ;  and  by  this  crown 
Each  gem  a  sacred  talisman  of  power, 
Or  amulet  protective  from  all  harm, — 
Wrought  by  the  spirits  of  the  elements 
And  wondrously  endowed,  —  I  swear,  and  be 
The  oath,  as  death,  irrevocable  —  I, 
The  dull  alliance  ye  design  abjure. 
Nor  Lord,  nor  living  equal  shall  be  mine. 
Depart,  and  let  him  know  our  fixed  resolve. 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  33 

Incipient  murmurs  of  applause  ran  round 

The  lustrous  throng  —  when  lo  !  an  omen  strange. 

While  yet  she  spake,  the  jewels  of  her  crown 
Erewhile  obtested,  in  the  sight  of  all 
Dropped,  several,  down,  —  a  sadly  splendid  lapse 
Like  meteor  showers  autumnal  in  the  skies,  — 
Whose  fancied  virtues  in  her  false  esteem 
Were  that  which  made  her  royal  ;  down  they  fell 
And  but  enriched  the  dust. 

W^ith  deep  dismay 
She  eyed  the  empty  sockets  —  and  was  still. 
Stricken  with  shame,  too,  slowly  slid  away 
That  parasitic  court. 

The  younger,  then, 
Who  at  her  sister's  feet  her  seat  still  sought ;  — 
O  Sister !     O  divine  one  !     O  most  dear ! 
There  is  a  jewel  more  than  worth  all  these  — 
Tliese  but  the  shining  rubbish  of  a  wreck. 
Wilt  thou  not  seek  it  ?     'T  is,  for  asking,  thine  ;  — 
A  friend  there  is  —  a  lover  —  one  most  true. 
Who  would  not  thus  desert  thee,  though  it  had  been 

3 


34  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

Thyself,  by  judgment,  hurled  into  the  dust  — 
But  there  he  would  have  comforted  thee. 

No  more  ! 
Said  the  haught  Empress,  I  have  cast  my  lot;  — 
Then  hurried  from  her  throne  and  disappeared. 

Next  came  the  crime  of  crimes  with  curses  crowned, 
Staggering  precipitate.     No  lack  was  there 
Of  direful  sign  and  portent ;  chief  was  this  — 
Each  day  grew  murker,  for  the  light  of  truth 
Suns  those  serenest  firmaments  ;  and  all 
The  falsehoods  each  one  uttered,  lie  by  lie. 
Rolled  into  rings  of  darkness  round  their  heads  — 
Till  the  conglomerate  gloom  obscured  the  day, 
And  each  one  so  infringed  the  other's  view. 
That  contact  in  collision  ceased.     And  still. 
With  gathering  shades  the  stranger  spirits  grew 
Still  lovelier,  and,  like  light  outletting  flowers. 
Glowed  in  the  lengthening  eve ;  and  oft  at  night 
As  the  stars  streamed  their  silver  radiance  forth  — 
Alternating  with  azure  and  all  gems  — 
Or  as  in  nacrine  blent  in  one  soft  blaze. 
Their  rosy  bowers  they  trimmed ;  and  training  low 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  35 

The  honied  wreaths,  heavy  with  odorous  dew,  — 

Warbled  a  vesper  song,  inviting  mirth 

And  amicable  converse  in  the  shade. 

There  likewise  they  averred  to  serve  their  God  — 

Whose  living  emblem  dwelt,  they  said,  among  them  — 

With  natural  worship  and  symbolic  rites 

Of  souls  regenerated  ;  there  impart 

The  esoteric  truths  which  nature  veiled, 

Of  the  one  triplicative  essence ;  there  — 

All  cosmogonic  and  theurgic  lore, 

Without  consideration,  open  free 

To  the  enraptured  eye  —  and  but  for  one 

Prostration  of  the  spirit  duly  made. 

The  sacred  fire  and  secrets  of  the  stars. 

Night  after  night  these  proffers  were  proclaimed  — 

And  mysteries  more  enchanting  still,  with  smiles. 

Hinting  of  happier  revelations  yet. 

When  those  they  loved  were  perfected  in  faith. 

These  smiles  at  first  were  answered  but  with  smiles, 

Incredulous,  rebuking.     See,  said  they, 

In  impious  invocation  of  that  doom. 

How  tlie  night  lengthens  we  have  brought  with  us  ;  — 

Permitted  to  this  end,  that  out  of  night 


3G  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

And  preternatural  darkness  such  as  this, 
May  spring  that  luminous  vision  we  enjoy, 
And  in  oursleves  create,  of  things  divine. 
Partake  ye  with  us.     Thus  they  tempted  on. 
Wonder  at  last  awoke  desire. 

Among 
The  original  seed  angelic,  was  a  sage 
Of  dominant  lineage  —  for  undated  years 
Prime  counsellor  of  good  —  who  oft  had  urged 
Obedience,  and  reproof  on  all  A\ho  erred 
In  listening  to  the  promissory  guests, 
One  wasted  atom,  even,  of  an  hour  — 
And  most  deplored  their  advent.     Him  it  seemed 
Good  to  the  Great  One  —  who  controls  all  life. 
And  circumscribes  all  action,  so  to  prove 
His  further  ends  superior  —  to  permit 
One  moment's  fragile  converse  with  the  spirit 
Chief  of  those  voluntary  visitants. 
Who  lay  reclined  on  fragrant  flowers,  as  though 
Dreaming,  yet  only  half  dissolved  in  sleep  ;  — 
The  radiant  chaplet  drooping,  and  the  zone 
Coerulean,  featly  tricked  with  semblant  stars. 
Unloosened  for  repose. 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  37 

Arise,  he  cried, 
Sternly.     And  wherefore  ?  said  the  angel  guest ;  — 
In  wise  and  happy  idlesse,  half  divine, 
Those  live  who  how  to  spend  their  life  know  best ; 
Our  rest  is  contemplation  :  worship  our 
Sole  work.     The  weak  alone  unceasingly 
Devote  themselves  to  action  ;  but  for  us, 
We  mightiest  are  in  rest.     This  eve  return  — 
And  I  will  show  thee  that  we  worship  here. 

What  more,  in  speech,  hath  never  been  divulged  ; 
But  neither  was  it  much.     Away  he  turned  — 
His  heart  assaulted  by  a  storm  of  thought. 
The  day  he  passed  in  musing  and  in  prayer 
Repeated,  but  unsatisfied.     At  night. 
When  all  the  stars  burned  brightliest,  and  the  bowers 
Of  song  were  silent,  he  in  stealth  returned  — 
And  lo  !  the  Spirit  slumbering  as  before. 

O  !  sweet  and  soft  salute  of  sacred  sleep  — 
The  starry  eyes,  and  lightning  lids  of  earth, 
And  evening,  slowly  sealing,  and  the  check 
Of  angel  painting  with  a  pearlier  calm ; 
How  Avert  thou  mocked  then  ! 


38  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

Morn  came,  and  he 
Returned  not,  —  poor  apostate  !     Soul  by  soul 
Who  went  to  seek  him  stayed  ;  so  strong  the  spell, 
One  dread  defection  cast ;  in  every  bower 
But  that  wherein  he  was,  't  was  said  he  hid  ; 
And  soon  each  flowery  canopy  one  concealed  — 
The  proselyte  of  idols  —  slave  of  self. 
Who  was  to  seek,  but  never  to  be  found. 

Pity  them,  now,  ye  angels  !  for,  like  you. 
Equal  —  almost  —  in  favor  of  their  Lord, 
Were  once  those  lapsed  ones.     These  are  heart-wrung 
tears. 

At  these  words,  sympathetic  tears  swam  o'er 
For  the  first  time,  from  each  celestial  eye. 
As  trees  autumnal  shed  their  leafy  tears 
In  golden  showers,  shaken  by  sudden  gust  ;  — 
Tears  not  to  be  forbid. 

In  saddest  tone 
Resumed  the  Heavenly  Stranger  his  discourse. 
Ne'er  to  be  found,  I  said.     But  who  can  find 
A  limit  to  the  mercy  of  our  Lord  } 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  39 

In  like  estate  they  never  may  be  found  — 
They  never  shall  be  ;  still,  for  all  is  hope, 
Hope  —  the  immortal  virtue  of  the  saints. 

But  let  the  time-glass  of  their  sins  run  down, 
Whose  recollection  whelms  me  still  with  woe. 

Not  many  darkening  days  had  passed  away 

Before  the  mighty  mysteries  stood  revealed, 

And  strangest  aphanisms,  one  by  one. 

Of  those  once  loved  and  honoured  most,  made  clear. 

Beneath  the  shade  delicious  of  a  wood  — 

In  whose  Elysian  glades  those  strangers  fixed 

At  first  their  dwelling,  and  therein  prepared 

Their  secret  rites  and  sacred  mysteries  — 

Skirting  the  gold  sands  of  the  sapphire  sea. 

Were  those  deceived  assembled  ;  so  deceived. 

The  day  they  weened  was  longer,  brighter,  now  ; 

And  each  the  other  hailed  as  happier  then 

Than  in  the  ages  past.     Forth  flashed  the  song 

Upwards  like  earth-born  lightning,  and  the  dance  — 

Of  crystalline  symmetry  —  skimmed  around  the  shore, 

In  vortices  of  light ;  the  world-queen  there 


40 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 


Now  mixing  witli  the  mirthful  throng,  now  sole, 
Seeking  in  thought  repose.     Oh  !  this,  they  cried, 
Is  joy  —  the  bliss  of  liberty. 

At  once 
That  senseless  dream  to  dissipate,  lo  !  there  rushed. 
Out  of  a  cave,  with  toppling  crags  o'erhung, 
A  hugeous  monster,  such  as  never  Night 
With  murderer's  mind  engendered,  when  his  heart 
Lay  panting  underneath  the  conscience  pang  — 
Like  fawn  beneath  a  wolf's  jaw.     Dragonlike 
In  lengthening  volumes  stretched  his  further  part. 
Incalculably  curled ;  but  in  the  front. 
On  one  wide  neck  a  hundred  heads  he  reared, 
Which  spake  with  every  mouth  a  hundred  tongues, 
Through  teeth  of  serried  dajmers  black  with  blood 
The  breath  he  drew  in  day  he  breathed  out  night. 
And  he  descended  to  the  sea  to  drink, 
Though  close  by  his  cave  a  cool  bright  river  ran ; 
For  it  was  thirst  the  monster  better  loved 
Than  aught  that  thirst  could  quench.    The  abhorrent  sea 
Shrank  backwards,  tide  by  tide  ;  but  he  pursued^ 
Triumphing  in  its  fascinating  fear, 
Into  the  very  midst ;  —  then  gorged,  returned, 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  41 

Soul-sodden  to  the  shore,  where  prone  he  lay 
Before  his  horrid  hold  ;  with  stormy  joy 
Gnashing  his  steely  teeth,  and  with  his  tail, 
Now  close  contorted,  and  now  far  out  launched, 
Sweeping  the  shiny  slime  of  the  wide  sea  sands. 

In  still  and  dreadful  wonder,  grouped  by  fear. 
Astound  and  awestruck  stood  the  duped  allies 
Of  the  delusive  strangers.     Ceased  at  once 
The  choir-maze  astroeidal ;  shouts  of  joy 
And  gratulation,  all  ceased. 

First  to  speak 
Was  one,  the  last  who  lapsed  from  pure  estate. 

Be  this  the  god  ye  serve  ?  —  The  god  ye  sware 
That  we  should  this  day  see  ?  —  Our  god,  said  they. 

And  are  we  bound  to  adore  him  who  have  passed 
Through  your  mysterious  rules,  and  on  us  ta'en 
His  worship  by  the  oath  of  fire  .'' 

Ye  are, 
In  tones  of  hate,  replied  the  spirit  chief, 


43  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

By  whom  that  wise  one  told  of,  late,  was  lost  — 
There  standing  as  the  hicrophant  of  hell  ;  — 
Behold,  ye  are  before  him  —  bow  the  knee. 

And  the  vast  monster  smiled  ;  on  every  face 
A  hot  and  lurid  smile  —  like  the  red  light 
Which  hovereth  o'er  the  earthquake  yet  unborn, 
Though  quick.     Oh  woe  ! 

When  all  —  such  answer  made 
As  heretofore  recorded  —  with  remorse 
Were  smitten,  and  repentance,  and  aside 
Turned  them  to  go  ;  —  the  hierophant  exclaimed, 
Give  to  the  mighty  one  his  victim  due  ! 

Then  those  destroyers  seized  the  angel  youth 
Who  first  recanted  his  accursed  oath. 
And  cast  him  at  the  monster's  feet,  which  cried. 
No  more  of  these  ignoble  victims  ;  hence  ! 
Bring  me  the  royal  bride,  and  I  depart. 

Soon  as  these  fearful  words  were  heard,  lament 

And  consternation  seized  the  greater  half 

Of  those  there  present  —  and  most  base  resolve 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  43 

Filled  up  like  molten  lead  the  others'  hearts. 

Which  cruel  purpose  when  the  sister-queen 
Saw  —  to  that  living  idol,  fierce  and  foul, 
She  knelt,  and  touched  with  natural  sorrow,  him 
Besought  the  child  to  spare. 

Take  what,  she  said. 
Take  all  though  wilt,  but  leave  alone  this  one  — 
My  sweet  and  sacred  sister.     She  with  me 
Once  in  the  happy  past,  and  innocent,  lived 
A  pure  perpetual  blessing  ;  from  her  hand 
Came  boundless  bounties  ;  not  a  word  she  spake 
But  seemed  a  benediction  ;  her  bright  heart 
With  lovelight  glowed,  forever  at  the  full. 
In  days  of  old  o'er  all  the  orb  she  ranged. 
And  reigned  where'er  she  ranged.     All  things  rejoiced 
In  her  ecstatic  advent.     By  her  touch 
The  thrall  a  throned  prince  became  ;  the  dead 
Dawned  into  life  ;  o'er  all  things  spread  the  spell 
Of  her  resplendent  presence.     That  they  touched 
Her  very  footsteps  gladdened,  as  the  waves 
Leap  into  light  and  vanish  in  a  smile. 
But  now  —  because  of  deeds  thou  know'st  too  well, 


44 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 


Deeds,  pcradventurc,  for  repentance  meet  — 

Immured,  she  lives  the  life  of  charity 

In  the  still  precincts  of  her  holy  home, 

With  many  a  lovely  handmaiden  around 

In  starry  palace  templed,  till  the  hour 

Of  our  celestial  nuptials,  as  she  deems. 

If  sorrow  have  not  wronged  her  reason  —  come. 

I,  her  rebukes  of  love  have  ofttimes  borne 

And  scorned,  and  heaped  upon  her  infamies. 

Which  she  hath  thrice  forgiven  ;  but  let  her  not 

Be  out  of  life  abolished,  who  hath  done 

Such  good,  and  been  so  harmless  at  the  worst. 

Thou  speakest  as  the  she-fool  only  can  — 
Retorted  then  the  angry  terror ;  rise  ! 
The  very  reasons  thou  dost  name  for  life 
Arc  those  wherefore  I  hate  her  unto  death. 
Go!  thou  thyself  shall  bind  her  to  yon  rock, 
Or  I  will  slay  ye  both.     His  tongue  then  ceased 
Its  frightful  thunder-clang,  nor  spake  he  more. 

Meanwhile,  those  basest  few  who  thought  to  win 
The  tyrant  monster's  favour,  and  preserve 
Themselves  from  fatal  end —  death-threatened  now 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  45 

Souc;ht  out  the  sorrowino;  maiden,  and  discuiscd 
In  borrowed  robes  of  cheerful  thanksG-iving, 
Entered  the  heavenly  sanctuary  wherein, 
At  the  high  altar  ministering  she  stood, 
Presaging  sorrows  soon  to  be  fulfilled  ; 
Predicting  woes  accomplished  while  foretold. 
These,  in  mock  worship  mingling  with  the  rest, 
Yea  even  in  mine  own  presence  —  for  in  her, 
'Midst  all  these  woes,  did  I  sole  solace  find  — 
Her,  sudden,  seized  and  bound,  and  hurried  ofT 
To  a  lone  sea-crag,  circled  by  the  sea, 
And,  for  the  monster's  evening  victim,  left. 

Then  vowed  I  to  deliver  her  from  her  foes  — 
And  for  the  rescue  armed.     The  lightning  steed. 
Which  pastures  on  the  air,  and  is  the  sign 
Of  the  divine  destruction  of  all  worlds,  — 
The  sparkles  of  whose  hoofs,  in  falling  stars. 
Struck  from  the  adamantine  course  of  space. 
Stream  o'er  the  skies,  —  in  swift  and  solemn  joy, 
Came  trembling  at  my  call,     A  lance  of  light, 
A  sunbeam  tempered  in  eternal  fire, 
I  in  mine  hand  assumed,  and  forth  we  fared. 


46 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 


Wide  o'er  the  waters  rose  a  wail  of  woe 

With  a  fierce  shout  of  exultation  twined  — 

For  chained  to  a  dark  rock,  rough  and  high,  the  sea 

Was  loathly  yielding  back  to  land,  —  there  stood  — 

Arrayed  in  Paradisal  purity 

Alone,  that  meek  and  innocent  angel-maid  ;  — 

The  monster  wading  greedily  through  the  waves, 

Her  to  devour;  —  the  angels,  some  aghast, 

Exulting  some  ;  her  sister  as  half-dead 

Fell  fainting  from  her  seat ;  the  light  alone 

Of  falling  stars,  with  blinks  of  lightning  mixed, 

Lamping  the  red  horizon  fitfully. 

Midway  between  the  rock  and  the  sea  we  met ; 

And  though  the  creature  bellowing  would  have  fled, 

And  have  defiled  the  eye  of  light  no  more. 

Yet  was  I  there  to  slay  as  well  as  save. 

The  lance  of  light  I  couched ;  and  straight  my  steed. 

Who  knew  instinctive  all  his  dread  devoir. 

Drove  on  like  an  inevitable  storm  ;  — 

The  weight  behind  propelled  the  point  before 

Through  the  whole  monstrous  mass,  till  in  the  heart, 

Quivering  it  stood,  triumphant.     Down  then  dropped 

The  soulless  corse. 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  47 

The  beauteous  captive's  bonds 
T,  instant,  burst,  and  wrapped  her  sacred  limbs, 
In  the  same  robes  I  wore  —  of  golden  web 
And  azure  wove  ;  for  forth  I  sped  at  first 
Of  conquest  confident,  mine  armour  dight 
With  trophies  rich  beseeming  such  event ;  — 
And  on  the  rock  where  long  she  swooning  lay. 
Though  conscious  she  was  saved  from  direst  death, 
I  laid  her,  perfect  in  pure  loveliness, 
And  in  that  garb  of  glory. 

Then  there  came 
A  voice,  as  of  a  star-cloud  in  the  sky. 
Approving,  and  all  blessing  I  had  done  ; 
Formed,  too,  beneath  the  cloud,  a  rainbow  bright; 
From  whose  arch,  falling  as  in  circular  wind, 
And  in  diminishing  spires,  this  bird  of  light, 
The  sign  and  augury  of  peace  divine, 
GoD-missioned,  hovered  round  me  for  a  time, 
Then  nestled  in  my  bosom  —  as  ye  see. 

But  not  so  from  the  orb,  where  still  remained 
Those  recreant  spirits,  who,  with  loud  lament, 
Wept  their  extinguished  god  ;  him  to  revive 


48  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

Striving  with  all  their  strength.     In  vain  tliey  strove. 

Now,  lest  the  venomous  vapours  of  his  corpse 

Should  the  whole  sphere  impost,  it  was  decreed. 

By  crown  alike  and  lieges,  all  alarmed, 

To  offer  to  the  soul  of  the  dead  beast 

His  body  as  a  solemn  holocaust ;  — 

Nought  else  like  worthy  of  such  sacrifice. 

With  a  vast  mass  of  pompous  rights,  the  Queen, 

In  sordid  robes  of  false  humility, 

And  all  her  proudest  subjects,  head  declined,  — 

In  mournful  train,  upon  a  mighty  mound 

Upreared  by  the  seaside,  the  heapy  corpse 

Of  the  terrific  slain  laid  out ;  —  and  balked 

In  their  last  complot,  lo  !  another  seized 

Their  souls  —  instinct  with  hate  more  murderous  still 

Mine  own  destruction. 

Me,  where  I  remained. 
Protecting  her  I  honoured,  they  approached, 
Beseeching  I  would  witness  the  last  rites 
And  public  incremation  of  the  dead. 
In  proof  that  I  with  them  was  reconciled. 
Ere  they  for  aye  departed. 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  49 

This  Id  id  — 
Knowing  full  well  their  most  recondite  sins 
And  secretest  intentions ;  they  the  while 
Unknowing  wholly  mine. 

No  sooner  came 
I  to  the  seat,  in  right  opposal  placed, 
To  that  despotic  empress,  than  they  urged 
Me  to  revivify  the  hateful  frame  — 
The  incarnation  of  that  fleshly  hell, 
1  had,  for  her  sake  whom  I  loved,  destroyed  ;  — 
But  once  for  all  their  quest  refused  ;  whereat. 
The  throned  one  brake  her  sceptre  in  her  wrath, 
And  cried,  —  have  done  with  him  !     I  own  him  not. 
And  have  forsworn  him.     Let  him  die  his  death. 

Thereto  I  answered  not —  within  myself 
Secretly  praying  but  that  God  would  make 
The  spirit  fair  concordant  with  the  form, 
And  wha    was  beauteous,  lovely. 

They  forthwith  — 
Tempter  and  tempted  hating  mc  alike  — 
Rushed  on  and  bound  mc  fast  ;  no  sooner  bound,  — 
4 


50  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

Than  from  the  Heavenly  Father  of  us  all, 
All  power  I  felt  transfused  into  mine  hands  : 
Yet  let  them  work  their  will,  that  all  might  be 
Accomplished  in  their  nature,  and  the  great 
Designs  of  God  fulfilled  which  He  sole  knew. 

Three  days  and  nights,  or  rather  one  long  night, 

But  by  diverse  degrees  of  darkness  marked. 

Again  it  died,  in  foul  offensive  fumes 

Exhaled  away  ;  so  vast  that  carcass  grim  ; 

Around  whose  molten  mass,  too,  the  whole  time 

Were  fierce  and  bloody  combats,  tribe  'gainst  tribe. 

In  honour  of  the  dead  one,  till  at  last. 

Me  on  that  burning  and  abhorred  bier  — 

That  carnal  hell  impersonate,  all  fire, 

Remorseless  cast  they  ;  and  their  sin-palled  eyes 

Perceived  not  that  a  Heaven-sent  cloudlet  caught 

Safe  in  its  soft,  cool  bosom  ;  there  create 

By  love  divine  of  God,  that  mercy  might 

The  dear  decrees  of  judgment  execute. 

And  scathless  free  the  Being  bound  and  doomed. 

High  upwards  rose,  then,  in  Heaven's  darkening  face, 
Wide  wavering  from  innumerable  tongues, 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  51 

Like  to  the  desert  sand-cloud  or  simoom, 

The  columned  execrations  of  the  crowd, 

But  far  below  me  swept ;  they  neared  not  e'en 

The  prospect  of  my  feet.     Such  malice  grieved  — 

How  grievous  to  the  soul  of  love,  all  sin ! 

Yet  need  more  made  they  should  be  won  to  God. 

Thus  praying,  I  to  the  rock  returned,  where  lay 

Entranced  that  lovely  maiden  of  the  main 

And  stirless,  still.     Her  straight  I  raised  and  bore, 

Gently  and  lovingly,  within  these  arms. 

To  a  lone  star  as  yet  unblessed  with  life. 

Which  round  a  larger  and  exterior  orb, 

The  central  mirror  of  the  world,  wherein 

Are  shadowed  all  things  past  and  yet  to  come  — 

Rolls  restless  in  the  Heavens,  that  so  she  might, 

Awakening,  see  new  cause  to  bless  her  Lord. 

There,  all  enchanting,  she  enchanted  lay  ; 

Beheld  of  all,  beloved  of  her  kind  ; 

I,  guarding. 

Meanwhile,  in  that  wretched  orb 
Prevailed  continuous  night,  and  all  things  died 
That  drew  their  life  from  light ;  the  flowers  their  life 


52  THE    ANGEL    WOULD. 

Breathed  out  in  incense,  and  the  trees  laid  down 
Their  leafy  crowns,  forlorn  ;  the  herbal  earth 
In  withered,  barren,  senseless  nakedness, 
Lay  like  a  clayey  corpse. 

Flow  changed  from  that  bright  orb 
The  rolling  skies  had  erst  rejoiced  to  see  ; 
Whereto  the  orient  sun  was  wont  to  send, 
As  to  some  eaglet  orb  that  loved  the  light. 
His  earliest  beam  to  wake  the  welcomer  ; 
Signal  to  all  of  worship  !     Now,  alas  ! 
Cloaked  in  impenetrable  night  it  glode 
A  black  abomination  through  the  skies, 
A  reptile  world  abhorred  of  all  and  shunned. 
Then  fire  was  used  for  light,  and  each  one  bare 
With  him  a  pitchy  torch  which  reeked  of  hell  ; 
Supplied  by  those  deceptive  guests  who  now  — 
Their  doubtful  shapes  resumed  —  incited  strife, 
Commutual  hatred,  war  ;  and  ground  to  dust 
The  victim  of  their  mystic  mockeries. 
With  wronG;s  elaborate  and  self  torturing  sins. 

She  who,  so  prompt  to  rule  alone,  had  deemed 
Herself  a  Queen  for  aye  they  laughed  to  scorn, 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 


53 


Deposed  and  dungeoned,  chained  as  mad  —  and  slain  — 

But  that  their  hate  preserved  her.     There  she  lay, 

In  wretchedness  repentant,  wrecked  in  soul ; 

Scarce  floating  on  the  ages.     How  she  longed 

Then,  for  her  sister's  voice  —  and  hoped  'gainst  hope 

For  other  accent  than  her  own  lone  lips 

Re-echoed  from  the  walls  that  cofiined  her ;  — 

For  one  embrace  once  prized  beyond  all  price  ! 

But  such  desire  as  yet  might  nought  avail. 

Be  sure  the  Great  Perfector  hath  well  earned 

All  that  He  gladdeneth  over,  as  His  own. 

Throughout  the  threefold  world  ;  though  Him  it  wrought 

Measureless  dole,  for  the  Divine  is  born 

Ever  of  bitterness  ;  and  well  I  ween, 

Where  sacrifice  is  not,  is  never  fire. 

There  lay  the  stricken  despot  humbled  down 

Into  a  penitent  angel,  sad  and  meek. 

Bright  city,  hallowed  temple  down  were  razed  — 
Nay,  e'en  their  deep  foundations  rooted  up  ; 
The  sacred  groves  were  fired,  and  tree  by  tree. 
Charred  into  naked  blackness  ;  all  the  soil 
Was  grisly  ashes  only.      Day  and  night 
The  skies  rang  with  the  cries  of  myriads'  woe. 


54  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

Till  the  stars  shuddered,  and  the  orb  was  shook 
Wherein  I  watched  the  awakening  of  the  maid. 

Close  by  her  feet,  insculptured,  on  the  couch 
Whereon  she  lay,  was  seen  a  child  who  held 
An  hour  glass  in  his  hand.     Ten  times  it  turned 
Upwards  and  downwards  ;  at  the  twelfth  it  fell, 
And  falling  broke  ;  and  as  it  fell,  she  rose  ; 
Rose,  like  a  lily  bending  o'er  its  stem, 
Gently  until  she  stood. 

And  hark,  she  cried, 
Beloved  !  hearest  thou  not  that  wail  of  woe  ? 
I  know  it,  whence  it  comes.     Oh  let  us  hence 
Hasten,  and  Heaven  beseech  to  save,  to  save  ! 

Then  stirred  the  dove  divine,  imbosomed  here  ; 

And  I  obeyed  its  impulse  as  of  God, 

From  whom  it  came  ;  and  calling  to  my  side 

A  cloudlet  —  like  a  silver  swan  that  sailed 

The  deeps  of  air  —  we  clasped  its  snowy  down. 

And  swiftly  winged  our  way  ;  —  till  drawing  nigh, 

Again,  that  dark,  apostate  orb,  the  tears 

Of  my  beloved  one  fell  like  raindrops  down. 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  55 

Thus  moved,  I  said  unto  the  air,  be  fire  ; 
And  to  the  waters,  be  ye  flames  ;  and  straight 
It  was  so  ;  for  it  seemed  but  meet  to  purge 
The  sanctuary  in  this  wise,  so  defiled. 

From  side  to  side,  from  end  to  end,  it  burned. 
From  pole  to  pole  it  blazed  —  from  sea  to  sea  ; 
Till,  in  the  central  city  of  that  sphere. 
Now  shining  ruins  only,  from  the  height 
Of  one  immoveable  mountain  monument, 
Forked  like  a  double  pyramid,  which  sole 
Survived  the  splendid  wreck,  was  spied,  far  oflT 
On  the  horizon,  the  unbroken  ring 
Of  round  beleaguering  fire,  which,  swift  as  thought, 
The  nations  all  into  one  death-doomed  flock, 
Relentless,  hunted. 

Midst  this  fiery  woe,  — 
Struck  suddenly,  as  out  of  vertical  space,  — 
Once  more  the  blazing  swordstar  shewed  in  Heaven ; 
Which  many,  fearful,  deemed,  if  brandished  then 
By  the  same  hand  as  first,  would  cleave  in  twain 
Their  self  accursed  sphere,  and  hurl  its  dust. 
With  them,  for  aye,  into  the  deadly  void. 


56  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

Near  and  more  near  on  waves  of  light  it  rode, 

Swiftly  triumphing,  and  with  bUnding  beam, 

Till  full  above  the  centre  of  the  orb  — 

The  conflagration  of  the  sphere  self-quelled. 

As  though  in  presence  of  a  mightier  power  — 

Slowly  descending,  it  alit  at  last. 

And  upright  stood  ;  — no  more  a  flaming  sword, 

But  sunbright  cross  ;  'neath  whose  redemptive  light, 

And  restorative  radiance,  all  the  seeds 

Of  life  leapt  upwards  in  the  face  of  Heaven. 

There  now  it  stands,  and  all  who  will,  may  live. 
Seeking  its  light.     Alas  for  creature  will ! 
The  darkness  and  the  light  still  stand  opposed, 
Ceaseless,  as  is  the  war  'tween  good  and  ill, 
Which  win  and  lose  eternally  in  turn  ; 
While  these  vivific  globules,  stars  y'cleped. 
Roll  through  the  veins  galactic  of  the  heavens  ;  — 
So  long  as  lasts  ci'eation. 

Go,  I  said,  thou  pure 
And  selfless  spirit !     Take  thou  this  golden  key, — 
Which  saying,  I  from  out  my  bosom  took 
The  true  and  triple  key  of  all  the  worlds. 


TUE  ANGEL  WORLD.  57 

Which  nought  may  let ;  which  opes  whatever  can 

Be  shut,  and  shuts  whate'er  be  oped  ;  which  turns 

The  wards  of  Heaven's  own  gates  of  solid  light, 

The  portals  of  the  palace  of  the  Sun  — 

No  eye  create  shall  else  behold  ;  —  and  placed 

In  her  pure  palm.     This  take  and  ope,  I  said, 

The  prison  wherein  she  groaning  —  dying  —  lies. 

Restore  her  to  the  vital  light.     Strike  off 

The  manacles  from  her  hands ;  and  from  her  feet 

Loosen  the  gory  fetters  ;  in  her  wounds 

Pour  thou  the  oil  of  peace,  and  wash  with  streams 

Of  living  waters.     Clothe  her  with  thyself 

As  thou  art  clothed.     Oh  cheer  her  heart  with  hope 

And  inspiration  of  thy  faith,  and  say 

I  sent  thee  to  redeem  her.     Tell  her,  still. 

My  love  hath  never  altered  ;  not  in  grief,  — 

In  passion  not,  not  in  disgrace,  nor  guilt ;  — 

Howe'er  inconstant  her  heart,  or  opposed, 

Her  love  I  with  an  everlasting  love  ;  — 

The  one  am  I  unchanging  ;  —  what  beside 

Thou  wilt,  for  thou  canst  only  utter  truth. 

Go  !  and  may  He  who  over-orders  all, 

Speed  thee  upon  thy  quest. 


58  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

She,  wordless,  went, 
But  looked  her  thanks  —  which  seemed  to  promise  full 
Accomplishment  of  precept  —  ou  a  wind 
Wafting  herself  away. 

I,  who,  while  all 
That  dark  defection  reigned,  had  warned  in  vain  — 
Now  having  seen  in  recompense  most  dear 
Heaven's  own  eternal  standard  planted  there, 
As  in  all  orbs,  triumphant ;  and  once  more 
By  this  dear  monitor,  this  God-gift  moved. 
That  sphere  to  quit ;  —  first  in  myself  resolved 
The  mighty  stream  of  Time  to  pass,  which  bounds 
And  separates  the  realms  of  sense  and  soul 
From  Heaven's  eternal  spirit-land,  that  I, 
Might  to  the  sire  of  all  which  live,  present 
For  all,  the  supplications  of  my  heart;  — 
And  that  the  prayerful  love  of  that  bright  maid 
For  her  beloved  sister,  might  receive 
The  seal  of  God's  acceptance. 

On  this  high 
And  arduousest  emprise  behold  me  bound  ;  — 
Yet,  ere  I  left  my  cloudlet  car,  whence  late 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  69 

I  marked  that  world-wreck,  once  again  I  gazed 
Thitherward,  and  beheld  before  the  gates 
Of  a  half-buried  palace  —  black  as  death, 
Its  marble  portals  —  locked  in  blest  embrace. 
The  well-beloved  twain. 

A  voice  then  spake  — 
The  voice  of  one  joy-hearted,  soft  and  clear 
As  bells  at  early  morn,  on  that  blest  day, 
Named  in  the  breast-laws  of  each  starry  orb, 
Wherein  Eternity  entwines  with  Time 
Its  golden  strands,  and  weds  the  world  to  Heaven  ;  — 
Arise  !  come  forth,  beloved  sister,  rise. 
How  blest  am  I  to  serve  thee,  to  release ! 
Nor  doubt,  nor  wait.     Behold  thy  handmaid  me. 
Gifts  bring  I  for  thee,  gifts  of  countless  price  — 
Of  priceless  worth.     Thy  lover  Lord  commands 
Array  thee  for  the  bridals.     Lo  !  the  new 
And  shining  robes,  by  heavenly  fingers  wrought, — 
Fit  for  the  form  divine  of  her  whose  love 
Is  hallowed  in  the  eternal  rites  of  Heaven. 
So  shall  we  dwell  together  here  in  bliss, 
Till  He  shall  come  who  ever  comes  to  all 
His  promise  sanctifies.     Improve  the  hour 


60  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

Which  yet  remains,  in  all  obedience  clear  ; 
And  deck  thyself  in  weeds  of  righteousness, 
With  jewels  of  good  deeds  adorned,  and  clad 
In  golden  garments  redolent  of  praise. 
For  infinite  is  eveiy  gift  of  His 
Divine  bestowing  ;  and  Salvation's  cup, 
And  Nature''s,  He  to  overflowing  fills. 

With  joy  I  heard  — I  saw.     Nor  longer  then 

Awaited,  but  where  most  the  starlands  crowd 

The  potent  north,  soared  upwards,  space  by  space. 

And  firmament  by  firmament  of  stars, 

Leaving  in  turn  behind  ;  passing  unharmed 

Upon  the  verge  of  Being,  where  the  path 

Narrows  to  almost  nothing,  the  monsters  foul 

Earth-dust  and  Death-night  —  things  ye  know  not  of — 

Yet  fatal  beasts  to  all  who,  me  before. 

That  way  had  urged.     But  God  hath  favoured  me. 

And  nigh  thereto,  the  Golgotha  of  worlds  — 

The  charnel-house  of  Time  —  where  skull-like  orbs, 

Extinct  of  life,  with  rotten,  sickly  light. 

Defiled  the  purview,  and  advance  delayed  ; 

Yet  shrinking  nought,  though  shuddering,  passed  I  on, 

Through  all  uncleanness,  clean,  all  foulness,  pure. 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  61 

Hungered,  athirst  and  faint  wi'.li  fasting,  still, 
My  purposed  way  I  held,  till  bright  afar. 
The  kindly  radiance  of  this  angel  world 
Beaconed  me  hither  —  and  I  came.     Ye  now, 
Thanks  for  your  holy  hospitality, 
Behold  me  journeying  to  the  city  of  God, 
There  to  prefer  my  prayers,  and  plead  for  those 
Whom  still  I  love,  though  drawn  aside  to  trust 
The  natural  strength  allotted  them,  and  not  — 
With  sole  reliance  —  God  ;  who  thus  to  all 
By  failure  e'en  of  angels,  when  He  wills, 
Asserts  in  all,  His  high  supremacy. 

Let  whoso  feels  in  holy  will  inspired. 
Me  to  accompany,  speak  —  to  that  bright  throne 
Where  God,  our  Father,  in  all  glory  sits. 
The  world  in  holy  audience  at  His  feet ;  — 
And  there  with  me,  while  giving  praise  for  all, 
His  word  hath  made  and  saved,  for  those  not  yet 
Redeemed,  pray  ceaselessly. 

Uprising  then 
As  'twere  a  constellation,  suddenly, 
Seven  of  those  gracious  angels  pressed  around, 


63  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

Eager  for  friendly  escort  ;  when  the  chief 
Cherub  who  welcomed  first  that  pilgrim  bright, 
Thus  said ;  —  Another  holy  day,  made  blest 
By  our  dear  guest  —  how  different  he  from  those 
Deceptive  friends  he  tells  of!  —  hath  now  slid 
Into  the  passive  strength-restoring  night ; 
Rest  also  ye. 

Such  is  mine  own  intent. 
Replied  the  eloquent  guest ;  and  less  for  that, 
These   life-tried  limbs  have   gone   through,  than  their 

sakes, 
Who  know  not  half  the  flight  they  meditate. 

Then  worship  before  rest ;  as  was  the  wont 
In  every  alternation  of  the  day. 
Ere  action,  or  refreshment,  or  repose. 
Last,  on  their  happy  couches,  odorous  all 
Of  flowery  incense,  lay  the  angels  down  ; 
Shading  their  faces  with  the  plumy  gold 
Of  their  space  searching  pinions  ;  sacred  sleep 
Stealing  the  starry  wonders  of  their  eyes. 
And  with  divinest  visions  hallowing  all. 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  63 

Morn,  like  a  maiden  glancing  o'er  her  pearls, 
Streamed  o'er  the  manna-dew,  as  though  the  ground 
Were  sown  with  starseed  ;  —  and  the  angels  rose, 
Each  from  his  hallowed  couch,  and  —  duly  made 
The  sole  oblation  of  the  heart  to  God  — 
Stood  ready  for  departure  ;  taking  leave, 
For  a  brief  space,  of  their  beloved  compeers  ; 
With  many  an  ardent  longing  for  the  way. 
As  yet  untried  —  'neath  such  sweet  leadership. 

At  length  the  last  embrace,  last  look,  exchanged, 

High  upward  the  bright  bevy,  like  to  light 

Out  of  the  crowned  north, —  shot ;  on  and  on. 

Through  firmamental  fields  of  furthest  space, 

Till  at  the  brink  of  a  vast  river  they. 

Arriving,  halted,  which  pervaded  Heaven  ;  — 

Swift  as  a  cataract,  yet  unbroken,  still 

And  level  as  the  mean  line  of  the  sea. 

Thick  with  chaotic  matter  and  unformed  — 

Like  the  volcanic  blood  which  bounds  unseen 

In  veins  of  lightning  through  earth's  cavernous  heart  — 

Mid  ruined  orbs,  like  broken  ice-lumps,  rolled. 

Melting  and  crumbling,  to  the  ocean  deeps 

Of  vast  eternity,  it  gushed  along. 


64  THE    ANGEL    WORLD, 

Its  depths  were  darkness  self;  but  every  wave, 
Which  curled  out  of  the  mass,  seemed  light  alive, 
Though  but  an  instant. 

On  an  eminent  height, 
Which  overpeered  the  stream,  the  angels  sate. 
Then  said  the  angel  leader  to  the  rest. 
What  see  ye  past  the  river  ?     And  they  said. 
We  nothing  see  beyond.     Athwart  this  stream. 
If  stream  it  be  —  and  not  a  shoreless  main  — 
Is  more  than  we  can  ken. 

But  I,  returned 
The  questioner,  see  beyond  the  clear  bright  land 
Of  Heavenly  immortality,  mine  own 
By  birthright  and  by  gift ;  and  thither,  we. 

Descending  to  the  shore,  he  stooped,  and  dipped 
Into  the  stream  his  hand  ;  which  filling  full, 
He  tasted,  and  thus  spake.     Ye  waters  —  once 
Of  death  —  but  now  of  life  eternal,  take 
Back  the  libation  I  have  made  of  ye  ; 
And  be  ye  changed  for  ever.     Uttering  this. 
He  cast  the  dark  remainder  in  the  flood, 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  65 

That  instant  changed  into  a  flood  of  life, 
Flashing  with  light  celestial  to  its  depths 
Of  bottomless  infinitude  ;  —  and  straight, 
Grasping  the  bright  branch  of  an  olive  tree, 
Which  bowed  with  verdant  gold  the  peaceful  shore, 
He  therewith  sprinkled,  one  by  one,  the  band 
Who  him  accompanied  ;  with  these  pure  rites 
Making  them  free,  initiate  into  Heaven, 
And  death  the  lesser  mysteries  of  life. 

The  solemn  marvel  of  these  gladsome  deeds. 

Each  heart  lit  up,  with  self-evolving  joy. 

And  round  him  all  stood  linked  in  one  embrace. 

Behold,  he  said  ;  for  fit  it  is  that  now 

We  keep  our  course  ;  and  close  below  there  lay. 

Moored  but  a  little  distance  from  the  side, 

A  crescent-boat,  translucent  as  a  star. 

Wherein  they  all  embarked,  in  godly  dread. 

If  lightning  were  the  gross  corporeal  frame 
Of  some  angelic  essence,  whose  bright  thoughts 
As  far  surpassed  in  keen  rapidity. 
The  lagging  action  of  his  limbs  as  doth 

6 


I     '     i 


66  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

Man's  mind  his  clay  ;  with  like  excess  of  speed 

To  animated  thought  of  lightning,  flew 

That  moon-horned  vessel  o'er  life's  deeps  divine ;  — 

Far  past  the  golden  isles  of  memory 

Where  only  names  exist  and  things  are  not ; 

Mingled  wherewith  a  cloudy  counterpart 

Mocks  every  islet,  and  therein  are  lost 

Those  upon  whom  the  bright  seductive  sea 

Smiles  wreckful ;  and  sincerest  smoothness  feigns. 

They  went,  they  knew  not  how.     It  was  as  though 

The  finite,  mingling  with  the  infinite, 

Produced  an  utter  ravishment  and  sense 

Of  o'erabundant  reason.     At  the  last. 

Heaven's  azure  shores  they  made,  and  leapt  on  land. 

Scarce  had  they  touched  that  land  of  life,  when  lo  ! 

From  every  footfall,  like  soft  waves  of  light, 

A  murmuring  music  sprang,  as  if  its  own 

It  welcomed  to  its  bosom,  with  soft  joy 

Rejoicing  inwardly.     The  sacred  soil, 

To  this  premortal  music  vibrating, 

The  same  which  Faith  hears  in  the  still  of  Time  — 

Their  chief  saluted  ;  kneeling,  likewise,  they. 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  G7 

Then  he  embraced  them  all  and  each  in  turn. 

Here  let  us  build,  said  he,  a  tower  of  light ; 

That  all  upon  the  further  side  may  know 

We  have  in  safety  crossed  the  flood.     Himself 

Placed  the  foundation-stone,  and  one  by  one, 

Masses  of  dazzling  adamant  which  starred 

The  shining  shore,  like  flowers  that  fringe  the  banks 

Of  woodland  brook,  they  piled  up  altarwise 

At  his  command.     On  every  stone  engraved, 

In  gleamy  darkness,  was  the  name  of  God  ; 

For  every  star  a  stone  ;    and  every  name 

A  separate  title  symbolizing  love. 

A  sheaf  of  lightning  on  the  head  he  placed, 

Which  with  the  skies  innate  communion  held, 

And  burned  in  correspondence.     Thus  was  all 

With  the  pure  blessing  of  perfection  crowned. 

Their  journey  called  them  on  ;   and  pleased  they  trode 

That  land  of  solid  concord  ;  yet  not  long 

The  lower  line  of  progress  kept.     Aloft 

Once  more  they  stretched  the  light-related  wing. 

High  in  the  face  of  Heaven's  eternal  towers, 

Which  still  immeasurably  distant  shewed, 


68  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

Of  soul  enkindling  brilliance,  and  a  power, 

Light-uttering  splendour,  that  at  first  appeared 

Enough  to  quench  their  lesser  beam.     But  this 

As  they  approached  them  strengthened,  and  enlarged, 

In  heart  and  effluence.     Whilst  the  happy  seven 

Were  marvelling  at  such  change,  hiwrapt  in  thought, 

Lost  in  the  labyrinth  of  boundless  love, 

Self-humbled  by  the  glory  on  them  poured, 

They  found  that  Heaven  was  close  to  them  ;  and  they 

The  shining  basement  of  the  walls  had  reached 

Of  the  celestial  city,  which  did  itself 

Enclose,  or  seemed,  the  essential  universe ;  — 

And  standing  by  the  glowing  gate  of  prayer. 

About  to  enter,  missed  their  stranger  friend. 

In  holy  wonder  lost,  still  greater  now, 

Each  to  the  other  turned,  yet  nothing  spake. 

For  silence  sealed  each  tongue.     But  straight  on  high 

A  voice  spake  for  them,  saying  —  Enter  ye. 

For  I  am  He  who  led  ye  hither ;  I 

Who  lead  ye  still,  the  Son.     Then  rushed  on  all. 

Like  eagre  swallowing  up  its  streamy  way. 

The  whole  mysterious  truth.     And  they  obeyed 

The  word  magnetic,  the  divine  constraint. 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD,  69 

They  entered.     All  was  silent.     One  sole  voice, 
Through  the  serene  eternity  of  Heaven, 
Streamed  upwards  towards  the  Ineffable  ;  —  nor  harp. 
Nor  hymn,  nor  breath  beside  ;  nor  thought,  nor  hope 
Of  all  Creation,  but  therein  was  bound. 

Father,  He  said,  I  pray  for  all  the  worlds. 

Whom  Thou,  by  these  creating  hands,  hast  made. 

And  linked  with  mine.     Though  fallen  they  be  by  sin, 

Through  trusting  in  themselves,  and  not  in  Thee, 

Let  not  imperfect  nature^  tried  by  Thy 

Perfection,  their  eternal  ruin  prove. 

Rather  let  me  that  glory  I  partake 

With  Thee,  to  them  dispense,  that  Heaven's  pure  light 

The  darkness  of  the  world  may  clarify. 

And  Time,  impregned  by  Thy  pure  Spirit,  bring  forth 

Divine  eternity  ;  death's  bitter  flood 

O'erpast,  the  pure  regeneration  come 

To  all  life,  saved  and  sanctified  to  Thee. 

He  ceased  ;  and,  issuant  from  the  eternal  throne. 
Came  like  a  cloud  of  light,  the  bright  response, 
The  Godhead  in  expression,  uttering  love 
In  laws  more  broad  than  light,  which  thus  v.'ere  known. 


70 


THE    ANGEL,    WORLD. 


Son !  for  Thy  sake  I  make  the  world  mine  own  ; 

For  Thy  sake  hallowed,  and  in  Thee  redeemed, 

The  universal  life  exempt  from  sin. 

That  love  which  founded  first  the  skyey  stars 

Shall  see  no  bound,  and  so  be  satisfied 

With  sempiternal  ingrowth.     World  on  world, 

The  illuminated  missal  of  the  skies. 

Thou  turnest,  leaf  by  leaf,  in  turn  shall  close. 

Thy  spirit  only,  which  Thyself  hast  poured 

Into  the  worlds  of  life,  shall  live  for  aye, 

And  in  this  presence,  as  the  angel  man, 

Acknowledging  his  Lord  and  Thee  his  love. 

In  everlasting  union  all  shall  dwell 

With  Thee,  who  giving  up  the  joys  of  Heaven, 

And  union  with  the  One,  for  life  discerpt, 

And  spheres  of  shining  sadness,  madest  Thyself, 

Sinless,  a  perfect  sacrifice  for  sin. 

Therefore  in  Thee  shall  sin  and  death  be  sanctified. 

And  flesh  made  spirit,  human  nature  made 

Divinity,  vice  virtue,  and  earth  Heaven. 

As  in  creating  light,  is  night  destroyed. 

So  every  bodily  organ  shall  be  changed 

Into  a  spirit-sense  ;  and  human  power 

Into  divincst  faculty  ;  each  fault 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 


71 


Into  a  pure  possession  and  stronghold. 

[behold  !  the  worlds  Thou  prayedst  for,  all  are  Thine  ; 

And  that  in  chief  I  gave  Thee,  recreant  once  — 

To  bliss  restored  and  glorified  in  grace, 

Made  happier  and  diviner  far  than  first. 

The  earnest  of  the  harvest  of  the  skies  ;  — 

Behold  it  at  Thy  feet :  the  creature  lures 

Of  mystery  and  idolatry,  become 

Pure  faith  and  simple  worship;  the  blazing  sword, 

Whose  firebirth  of  incendiary  sins 

Wrapped  at  the  last  in  pitchy  flames  the  orb 

Of  stainless  beauty,  so  created  —  now 

Transformed,  the  fateful  mysteries  of  the  cross 

Foreshadows  and  confirms.     Lo,  there  it  stands  ; 

And  all  thou  prayedst  for,  perfected  ere  prayed. 

God  said  ;  responsive  silence  caught  the  words. 
And  hid  them  in  her  heart,  as  night  the  stars. 

(Ilowing  and  sparkling  in  the  life-rayed  sun 
Of  the  celestial  firmament,  glided  up 
On  pinions  wide  of  playful  lightnings  poised. 
That  sphere  Elysian  consummate  in  bliss. 
And  all  the  angels  thereto  bent  their  gaze 


72  THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 

As  stars  in  nightly  council  watch  the  eartli. 

Then  looked  and  saw,  tlu'ee  paces  from  the  light, 

'Midst  of  that  pure  and  renovated  orb, 

Beside  the  gardened  bank  of  a  bright  stream, 

A  fair  and  lofty  lady,  clad  in  robes 

Of  seagreen  hue,  engirdled  Avith  a  zone 

All  variously  tinct,  and  round  her  brow, 

Encrowncd  with  peaks  of  quivering  fire,  a  veil 

Of  heavenly  azure.     In  one  hand  she  held 

A  tower,  and  in  the  other  hand  a  tree. 

Sat  at  her  feet  a  melancholy  maid. 

Pale,  perfect,  and  serene,  between  whom  passed 

A  mutual  smile  of  sympathy  and  trust. 

As  though  their  lot  were  linked  ;  yet  knew  they  not 

How,  nor  the  invisible  presence  of  the  Heavens. 

These,  as  they  both  intently  eyed,  at  last 

One  to  the  other  spake.     Sweet  Sister,  mine. 

Sleep  thou,  and  let  me  wait  his  coming  sole. 

Me  He  expects  to  watch,  but  would  not  thou. 

Thereon,  that  lovely  lady  laid  her  down 

Below  a  rock,  whereby,  in  woods  embowered, 

And  scented  with  all  flowers,  the  river  flowed, — 

Her  last  words,  watch ;  in  sooth.  He  will  not  come 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  73 

Or  not  to  me,  who  wrought  him  so  great  bale. 

And  the  sun  set ;  still  watched  the  maiden  meek, 
And  at  midnight  she  prayed. 

My  Lord,  my  God  ! 
Thine  is  the  Spirit  which  commands  and  smiles  ; 
The  soul  which  serves  and  suffers  ;  —  Thine  the  stars 
Tabled  upon  Thy  bosom  like  the  stones 
Oracular  of  light,  on  the  priest's  breast ; 
Thine  the  minutest  mote  the  moonbeams  shew ! 
Let  but  Thy  words  come  true,  and  all  arc  blest ; 
Be  but  Thine  infinite  intents  fulfilled, — 
And  what  shall  foil  the  covenanted  oath 
Whereon  the  mounded  earth  is  based  ?  —  and  lo  ! 
The  whole  at  last  redeemed  and  glorified. 

While  thus  she  prayed,  Heaven  looking  on,  came  down 

From  His  eternal  heights  the  Angel-GoD, 

Upon  whose  breast  the  sun  blazed  ;  and  He  stood 

Between  them  ;  and  the  lady  rose  all  pale ; 

But  the  mild  maiden  gladdened  in  her  heart. 

The  Angel  took  the  maiden  by  the  hand, 


74 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 


And  said,  O  thou  who  watchedst  and  hadst  faith, 
What  shall  be  thy  reward  ? 

If  ],  she  said, 
Have  done  well,  't  was  from  reverence  of  Thee 
And  love  of  Thy  divine  love  ;  she,  alas, 
Being  infinitely  worthier  of  Thy  heart. 
Predestined  from  the  first  to  Thy  bright  breast, 
Than  I  the  thousand  virtues  to  proclaim, 
Which  own  Thee  Lord  for  ever.     What  though  sin, 
Serpent-like,  fanged  her,  and  she  fell,  I  knew 
That  Thou  by  touch  couldst  heal  her,  and  Thy  power 
To  do  good  equally  by  Thy  will  to  do. 
Whose  love  is  world-wide.     Were  there  due  to  me 
Of  guerdon  aught,  it  should  be  still  to  serve 
And  dwell  with  both  for  aye.     Be,  then,  to  her 
The  vow  performed  first  promised,  and  let  my 
Betrothal,  Lord  !  in  her  espousals  end. 

Then  whelmed  with  gratitude,  the  royal  dame, 

In  all  her  bridal  beauty  cast  her  down 

And  clasped  her  handmaid's  knees  and  wept  aloud. 

But  her  the  Angel  raised  and  dried  her  tears. 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  75 

With  His  serenest  smiles,  and  blessed  them  both. 

Come  ye  with  me,  He  said,  beloved  come  ! 

The  handmaid's  faith  hath  saved  the  mistress  throne. 

Be  one  my  sister,  and  be  one,  my  bride  ; 

Each  than  the  other  dearer,  more  divine. 

Tlie  world's  wide  doomring  is  the  land  I  rule, 

My  home  is  Heaven,  and  mine  inheritance 

Both  shall  enjoy,  predestinate  of  God. 

The  Father  to  the  Son  gives  all  in  Time, 

The  Son  restores  all  in  Eternity 

Unto  His  Sire ;  and  I  myself  to  Him. 

Then,  one  by  either  hand.  He  led  them  up  ; 
This,  with  the  holy  presence  and  august. 
Most  like  the  mother  goddess,  city  crowned, 
Now  tiar'd  as  with  the  towers  of  Paradise  ; 
That,  with  the  lucid  crescent  on  her  brow. 
To  the  high  seats  of  old  prepared  for  both. 

And  all  the  angels  and  the  spirits  blest. 
They  who  had  erred,  and  they  who  taught  to  err  — 
Along  with  those,  who  wise  and  pure  withstood 
Temptation,  yet  now  wisest,  humblest  were  — 


76 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD. 


Dwelt  in  that  sphere,  concentric  with  the  Sun, 
Which  ruled  the  skies  supernal ;  and  they  passed 
Upward  and  downward  as  best  listed  them. 

And  Wisdom  passed  amidst  them,  like  a  thought 

Among  a  gladsome  circle.     And  the  face 

Of  all  the  orbs  was  changed.     Then,  too,  was  seen 

The  great  unveiling  of  all  mysteries, 

Creation  glorified  :  in  childlike  calm, 

Lapped  in  the  mantle  of  eternal  rest. 

The  jubilant  song  swelled  circling  through  the  courts 

Of  everlasting  joy,  like  a  round  wave. 

Till  it  suffused  all  life,  and  touched  the  stars 

On  the  unlimited  eye-line  of  pure  space. 

Smiled  the  Eternal  Son,  who  can  alone 
Behold  the  Invisible  and  Heaven  then  sa^', 
Reflected  in  the  face  of  Him  Divine, 
Born  of  the  Light  as  eye  glance  of  the  Ej^e, 
The  unseen  likeness  of  the  Ineffable  One  ; 
Each  like  the  other  as  the  sky  and  sea, 
Imbosoming  the  imaged  Infinite. 


THE    ANGEL    WORLD.  77 


The  Son  Eternal  smiled  ;  and  from  his  throne 
Stretched  out  the  hand  of  blessing  o'er  the  world  ; 
And  blest  it  was  —  for  ever  —  blest  it  is. 


THE    RETURN'. 


They  come,  from  the  ends  of  the  earth, 

White  with  its  aged  snows  ; 
From  the  bounding  breast  of  the  tropic  tide, 

Where  the  day-beam  ever  glows  ;  — 
From  the  east  where  first  they  dwelt. 

From  the  north,  and  the  south,  and  the  west. 
Where  the  sun  puts  on  his  robe  of  light, 

And  lays  down  his  crown  to  rest. 

Out  of  every  land  they  come  — 

Where  the  palm  triumphant  grows, 
Where  the  vine  overshadows  the  roofs  and  the  hills, 

And  the  gold-orbed  orange  glows  ; 


THE    RETURN. 

Where  the  oUve  and  fig-tree  thrive, 
And  the  rich  pomegranates  red, 

Where  the  citron  blooms,  and  the  apple  of  ill 
Cows  down  its  fragrant  head. 

From  the  lands  where  the  gems  are  born  — 

Opal  arid  emerald  bright  ; 
From  shores  where  the  ruddy  corals  grow, 

And  pearls  with  their  mellow  light ; 
Where  silver  and  gold  are  dug, 

And  the  diamond  rivers  roll, 
And  the  marble  white  as  the  still  moonlight 

Is  quarried,  and  jetty  coal ;  — 

They  come  —  with  a  gladdening  shout ; 

They  come  —  with  a  tear  of  joy  ; 
Father  and  daughter,  youth  and  maid. 

Mother  and  blooming  boy. 
A  thousand  dwellings  they  leave. 

Dwellings  —  but  not  a  Home  ; 
To  them  there  is  none  but  the  sacred  soil, 

And  the  land  whereto  they  come. 


80  THE    RETURN. 

And  the  Temple  again  shall  be  built, 

And  filled  as  it  was  of  yore  ; 
And  the  burden  be  lift  from  the  heart  of  the  world, 

And  the  nations  all  adore  ; 
Prayers  to  the  throne  of  Heaven 

Morning  and  eve  shall  rise. 
And  unto  and  not  of  the  Lamb 

Shall  be  the  sacrifice. 


HYMN   OF    THANKS. 


Through  pain  and  through  peril,  temptation  and  harm, 
We  are  saved  by  His  love,  for  the  Lord  lent  His  arm ; 
By  the  sea's  bounding  wave  and  the  blue  river's  rim. 
As  the  morn  grew  up  bright,  or  as  eve  came  down  dim, 
By  the  cliff  and  the  beach,  and  the  mountain's  bleak 

brow. 
We  have  knelt  —  for  we  felt —  then,  and  ever,  as  now  ; 
By  the  stones  of  the  street  —  or  the  green  valley's  sod. 
Was  the  light  of  the  Lord,  and  Thy  Glory,  O  God  ! 

From  the  strength  of  the  storm  and  the  grasp  of  the  sea, 
And  the  lightning's  red  wrath,  Heaven  ransomed  are 

we  ; 
From  the  arms  of  the  forceful,  the  wiles  of  the  base. 
We  have  turned  to  Thee,  Lord  !  and  Thy  comforting 

face  ; 

6 


82  HYMN    OF    THANKS. 

In  the  courts  of  the  Idols  we  thought  on  Thy  povver, 
And  shrank  not,  nor  bowed  in  the  terrible  hour,  — 
Our  life,  and  our  all,  at  a  savage's  nod, 
But  were  saved  to  Thee,  Lord  !  and  Thy  glory,  0  God. 

By  fountain  and  garden,  and  palace  and  grove. 
Where  the  gay  and  the  beautiful  gather  to  rove ; 
Where  the  vine  o'er  the  violet  flourishes  green, 
And  the  roses  fill  up  the  soft  season  between ; 
"Where  the  temples  are  worthy  of  God  to  behold, 
And  the  altars  are  blazing  with  jewels  and  gold  ; 
Wherever  we  travelled  —  or  voyaged  —  or  trod  -  - 
Was  the  light  of  the  Lord,  and  Thy  glory,  0  God  ! 


A  U  T  U  M  N . 


'Tis  Autumn  —  and  the  winds  are  higli 
And  storm-clouds  scud  across  the  sky  ; 
The  yellow  groves  on  Dee's  dark  side 
Grow  paler  each  approaching  tide, 
As  though  they  feared  the  rising  waves 
Would  sweep  them  to  untimely  graves. 

No  flowers  are  now  with  dew-lit  eye 
To  lure  the  light  breeze  loitering  by ; 
No  roses  shed  their  rich  perfume 
From  hearts  just  hid  in  sweets  and  gloom  ; 
But  barren  stem  and  withered  leaf 
Are  all  that's  left  for  love  and  grief. 

Behind  yon  hills  wliich  fence  the  west 
The  sun  sets  on  the  sea's  wild  breast ; 


84  AUTUMN. 

Not  as  in  summer  time  he  went 

A  warrior  to  his  crimson  tent, 

While  all  the  glory  of  the  world 

Stood  waving  like  a  flag  unfurled 

Around  him,  as  the  bright  one  bowed, 

And  laid  him  on  a  golden  cloud  ; 

But  wan  and  weary,  sick  and  dim. 

He  dies,  and  Heaven  seems  nought  to  him 

So  glares  the  dying  on  the  dead, 

Stretched  upon  battle's  gory  bed. 

The  clouds,  careering  swift  on  high. 
In  continents  o'erspread  the  sky  ; 
And  mists  come  reeking  up  the  plain, 
And  pattering  quick  the  chilling  rain, 
And  sullen  Moel  Famma  shrouds 
Her  column-crowned  head  in  clouds. 

From  Grosvenor's  woods  are  falling  fast 
The  leaves  beneath  the  loosening  blast ; 
Yet  lovelier  now  those  groves  appear 
Than  in  the  noontide  of  the  year. 
Where  crimson  blends  with  deepest  green, 
And  brown  and  amber  glow  between  ; 


AUTUMN. 

So  sunset  hath  the  richest  sky, 
So  saints  look  happiest  as  they  die. 

The  floods  are  flowing,  and  the  Dee 
Rolls  black  and  swollen  to  the  sea ; 
Yet  still  by  fits  that  haunted  stream 
Flickers  beneath  the  moon's  pale  beam, 
Like  a  face  smiling  through  a  dream. 
And  mine,  a  stranger's  footstep  falls 
Round  my  ancestral  city's  walls, 
Beneath  the  steep  sharp-slanted  shade 
By  moonlight  from  the  minster  made  — 
In  silence,  for  no  soul  is  nigh 
To  brave  or  love  the  storm  but  I. 


THE    RING. -A    BALLAD 


Thus  to  a  fair  Venetian  maid, 

The  proudest  of  the  train, 
With  which  the  Doge  went  forth  arrayed 

To  wed  his  vassal  main, 
"  This  very  day,"  her  lover  said, 
"  Will  Venice  go  the  sea  to  wed." 

"  Now  tell  mc,  lady,  what  to  do, 

To  win  this  hand  of  thine  ; 
I  '11  risk  both  soul  and  body  too. 

For  such  a  prize  divine." 
"  I'll  have  the  bridal  ring,"  said  she, 
"  Wherewith  the  Doge  will  wed  the  sea." 

Came  forth  the  Doge  and  all  his  train, 
And  sailed  upon  the  sea  ; 


THE    RING. A    BALLAD.  87 

The  banners  waved,  and  music's  strain 

Rose  soft  and  heavenwardly  ;  — 
And  blue  waves  raced  to  seize  the  ring 
Which  glided  through  them  glittering. 

The  lover  through  the  bright  array 

Rushed  by  the  Doge's  side  :  — 
A  plunge  —  and  plume  and  mantle  gay 

Lay  lashing  on  the  tide  ; 
He  heard  a  shriek,  but  down  he  dived, 
To  follow  where  the  ring  arrived. 

He  sought  so  long,  that  all  above 

Believed  him  gone  for  aye, 
Nor  knew  they  't  was  his  haughty  love 

Who  shrieked  and  swooned  away. 
At  length  he  rose  to  light  —  half-dead  — 
But  held  the  ring  above  his  head. 

The  lady  wept  —  the  lover  smiled  — 

She  had  not  deemed  he  would 
Have  dared  it,  —  was  a  foolish  child  — 

And  loved  as  none  else  could. 


88  THE    RING. A    BALLAD. 

"  Take  it  and  be  a  faithful  bride 
To  death,"  the  lover  said,  and  died. 

The  lady  to  a  convent  hied, 
And  took  the  holy  vows. 

And  was  till  death  a  faithful  bride 
To  her  Eternal  spouse. 

And  then  the  ring  her  lover  gave 

They  buried  with  her  in  the  grave. 


TO    THE    TRENT. 


Of  all  the  rivers  in  the  land, 

Thee  most  I  love,  fair  Trent, 
For  in  thy  stream  and  by  thy  banks 

My  happiest  hours  I  've  spent. 
'Twas  there,  hard  bye,  I  first  drew  breath, 

There  hope  to  end  my  days  ; 
And  every  where  I  '11  tell  till  death 

My  native  river's  praise. 

Oh  !  Shannon  hath  a  wilder  shore. 

And  Thames  a  richer  freight, 
And  silver-linked  Forth  is  banked 

By  more  baronial  state  ;' 
But  neither  hath  a  purer  wave. 

Nor  deeper,  stiller  stream  ; 


90  TO    THE    TRENT. 

'T  is  quiet  as  a  grassy  grave, 
Or  a  saint's  dying  dream. 

Let  me,  in  sunshine  or  in  storm, 

Still  linger  by  her  side  ; 
I  '11  alway  look  on  her  with  love. 

And  speak  of  her  with  pride. 
By  rock  and  mead,  and  grove  and  isle, 

She  goes  from  deep  to  deep  ; 
I  love  her  in  her  dawning  smile, 

And  in  her  sunset  sleep. 

And  when  she  riseth  with  the  rain, 

And  bringeth  forth  her  flood. 
And  sweeps  up  to  the  high  town's  foot 

Her  spoil  of  field  and  wood,  — 
I  love  her  more  than  ever  then, 

For  then  she  hath  her  will ; 
And  over  mounds  and  herds  and  men 

She  bears  the  victory  still. 

May  such  a  calm  triumphant  course 
To  sacred  souls  be  given. 


TO    THE    TRENT.  91 

That,  river-like,  though  born  on  earth, 

They  image  only  Heaven  : 
And  tending  ever  towards  the  light, 

In  this  their  earthly  race, 
Meet,  mixing  with  eternity, 

In  joy,  their  Maker's  face. 


AN    ANCIENT    LEGEND 


A  STONE  stands  in  a  rustic  town 
Which  once  the  neighbouring  hill  did  crown  ; 
Nigh  to  the  house  of  God  it  lay- 
Before  't  was  set  where  now  it  stands, 
And  how  and  why  there,  graybeards  say, 
Was  ne'er  the  work  of  mortal  hands. 
But  list,  and  ye  eftsoons  shall  know. 
From  runes  translated  into  rhyme, 
How  saint  and  fiend  would  have  it  so 
Far  back  within  the  olden  time. 

That  holy  church  stands  fair  and  free, 
Those  festive  bells  peal  merrily. 
As  well  they  might  and  still  they  may 
On  many  a  bright  autumnal  day. 


AN    ANCIENT    LEGEND.  93 

When  both  in  hostel,  cot,  and  hall, 
They  hold  the  village  festival. 

The  godly  rustics  on  that  day 
At  church  had  met  to  praise  and  pray. 
And  thank  the  Giver  of  all  good. 
Through  Him  that  died  upon  the  rood, 
For  harvests  stored  and  daily  food  ; 
And  as  saint  Wilfrid's  care  they  claimed. 
Oft  in  their  prayers  his  name  was  named. 

At  morn,  at  noon,  at  eventide. 
Their  task  the  merry  ringers  plied. 
Pealing  each  time  with  joy  increased 
A  welcome  to  the  rustic  feast. 

But  it  roused  the  wrath  of  the  fell  fiend. 
As  high  o'er  minster-fane  he  leaned, 
In  the  dim  glooming  of  the  day 
Blent  with  the  moonlight's  silvery  gray. 
Quoth  he,  "  1  hate  that  holy  peal. 
Yon  festal  church  my  wrath  shall  feel." 

He  said  ;  and  from  the  stately  lands, 


94  AN    ANCIENT    LEGEND. 

Whereon  the  high  cathedral  stands^, 
PJe  heaved  a  huge  gray  granite  stone 
Erst  as  a  Druid's  altar  known  ; 
And  lifting  it  between  his  teeth, 
And  three  times  scantly  drawing  breath, 
Wide  on  the  air  his  arms  he  spread 
And  dropped  it  on  the  minster's  head  ; 
E'en  as  an  eagle  drops  a  hare 
Brought  for  her  callow  younglets'  fare. 

Upon  the  main  tower  straight  he  stands, 
And  as  he  glanced  o'er  field  and  fell, 
He  weighed  the  weapon  in  his  hands 
And  took  his  aim  and  distance  w'cU ; 
And  when  the  moon's  last  glimmering  ray 
Died  on  the  tall  church  spire  away, 
Three  hours  he  gazed  it  through  the  dark, 
Nor  winked  his  eye  once  on  the  mark. 
As  midnight  tolled,  for  mightiest  then 
Is  all  demoniac  power  o'er  men. 
The  rock  he  raised  —  Foul  fiend  forbear  !  - 
And  hurled  it  hurtling  through  the  air. 

Saint  Wilfrid,  from  his  seat  above. 


AN    ANCIENT    LEGEND. 

Where  with  the  blest,  whose  deathless  days 
Are  passed  'tween  deeds  of  sacred  love 
And  their  adored  Redeemer's  praise, 
Cast  on  the  house  of  praise  and  prayer, 
The  object  of  his  hallowed  care, 
One  glance,  and  marked  the  missile  fly 
Midway  betwixt  the  earth  and  sky. 

A  momentary  prayer  he  made  ; 

And  there  the  mighty  mass  was  stayed  ; 

Aloft  in  air  the  altar  hung. 

As  moveless  as  before  'twas  flung. 

Then  spake  saint  Wilfred  :  "  Baflled  fiend. 
What  evil  can  from  Heaven  be  screened  ? 
Though  in  the  depth  of  midnight  thou 
Didst  ween  to  crush  yon  pile  below, 
Yet  know  that  to  celestial  eyes 
Divincst  daylight  never  dies, 
And  saints  defend  the  things  they  love, 
As  God  protects  the  saints  above. 
While  men  invoke  their  holy  names, 
And  on  their  prayers  for  succour  call, 


96  AN    ANCIENT    LEGEND. 

So  long  shall  saints  fulfil  their  claims, 
So  long  their  shrines  shall  never  fall." 

He  ceased  ;  the  air-arrested  rock 
Fell  earthwards  with  a  harmless  shock, 
A  long  half  mile  beyond  the  bound 
Of  the  good  church's  hallowed  ground. 
The  Demon,  balked,  made  off  in  rage, 
And  the  stone  slept  for  many  an  age. 

And  still  —  a  startling  sight  I  ween  — 

The  foul  fiend's  teeth-dints  may  be  seen  ; 

And  still,  though  gray  and  wondrous  old, 

The  stone  itself  is  never  cold, 

But  keeps  whhin  its  fated  form 

A  gust  of  the  fiend's  fire-breath  warm. 


LONDON 


I  LOVE  thee,  London  !  for  thy  many  men, 

And  for  thy  mighty  deeds  and  scenes  of  gloiy  ; 

For  all  great  thoughts  and  things  into  thy  story 
Drain  themselves  —  of  the  heart  or  hand  or  pen. 
I  love  thee  in  all  hours :  the  most,  though,  when 

The  busy  heart  of  universal  man 

Seems  throbbing  through  thee,  without  pause  or  plan, 
Yet,  haply  well,  to  God's  all  loving  ken. 

Thou  art  the  greatest  thing  on  the  earth's  face 
That  man  hath  made  ;  thou  art  what  man  can  do. 

Look  on  it.  Lord  !  and  greaten  it  with  Thy  grace. 
Hundreds  of  shrines  therein  are  Thine  ;  —  too  few. 

Let  the  world  worship  God!  ye  cities,  bow  ! 
And  last  and  lowest,  thou,  proud  London,  thou  ! 
7 


A  RUIN. 


In  a  cot-studded,  fruity,  green  deep  dale. 

There  grows  the  ruin  of  an  abbey  old ; 

And  on  the  hill  side,  cut  in  rock,  behold 
A  sainted  hermit's  cell ;  so  goes  the  tale. 
What  of  that  ruin  ?     There  is  nothing  left 

Save  one  sky-framing  window  arch,  which  climbs 
Up  to  its  top  point,  single  stoned,  bereft 

Of  prop  or  load.     And  this  strange  thing  sublimes 
The  scene.     For  the  fair  great  house,  vowed  to  God, 

Is  hurled  down  and  unhallowed  ;  and  we  tread 
O'er  buried  graves  which  have  devoured  their  dead  ; 

While  over  all  springs  up  the  green-lifed  sod, 
And  arch,  so  light  and  lofty  in  its  span  — 
So  frail  and  yet  so  lasting  —  tis  like  man. 


\ 


A  FRAGMENT. 


As  in  a  round  wide  view  from  some  tall  hill, 

Central  and  isolate,  it  happeneth  oft 

The  furthest  things  on  all  sides  eyeable 

Are  village  temples  tapering  to  the  skies, 

Be  such,  too,  the  horizon  of  the  soul ; 

And  every  ultimate  object,  unto  Heaven 

Calmly  aspiring,  indicate  its  end. 

And  sanctify  the  limits  of  our  life. 

For  as,  in  gentlest  exhalations,  earth 

Breathes  forth  the  glistening  steams  which  high  in  air 

Glow,  sunlipped,  into  clouds  of  rosy  gold. 

Or  seek  again  her  breast  in  fruitful  dew  ; 

So  of  our  aspirations  and  desires, 

Might  we  endow  the  skyey  calm  of  life 

With  retributive  blessings,  and  a  clime 

Of  love  create  about  us  bright  and  boon  ; 


109  A    FRAGMENT. 

An  everlasting  spring  of  holy  good, 

And  venerable  beauty.     But,  alas  ! 

Men  breathe  forth  passions  vi'hich  fall  back  in  blights, 

And  stormy  desolations,  that  defile 

The  sky-born  streams,  and  flood  life's  fields  with  woe. 

The  evil  in  our  nature  we  can  act 

Always  and  utter ;  but  the  inner  good 

Hath  inexpressive  boundlessness.     Earthlike, 

Each  carries  with  him  his  own  atmosphere, 

Or  pure  or  foul,  where'er  we  orbitate. 


LOVERS. 


The  rose  is  weeping  for  her  love, 

The  Nightingale  ; 
And  he  is  flying  fast  above, 

To  her  he  will  not  fail. 
Already  golden  eve  appears, 

He  wings  his  way  along  ; 
Ah !  look,  he  comes  to  kiss  her  tears, 

And  soothe  her  with  his  song. 

The  moon  in  pearly  light  may  steep 

The  still  blue  air  ; 
The  rose  hath  ceased  to  droop  and  weep, 

For  lo  !  her  love  is  there. 
He  sings  to  her,  and  o'er  the  trees 

She  hears  his  sweet  notes  swim  ; 
The  world  may  weary  ;  she  but  sees 

Her  love,  and  hears  but  him. 


A  MYTH. 


Apollo  laid  his  lyre  upon  a  stone  ; 

The  stone  was  seized  with  music  ;  and  the  touch 
Of  mortal  could  awake  the  god's  own  tone 

For  ever  after.     Marvel  ye  not  much. 
Wherever  God  may  choose,  or  man  may  dwell, 
This  is  an  ever  acting  miracle. 

When  once  the  gift  of  Godlike  poesy 

Hath  touched  the  heart,  it  answers  everything 

In  its  own  tongue,  but  with  a  harmony 

Instinct  of  Heaven.     Let  the  world,  then,  fling 

Its  arms  of  honour  round  the  Poet's  breast. 

And  Heaven  may  hear  Earth's  music,  and  have  rest. 


MORNING 


She  comes !  how  lovely  are  her  smiles, 

The  ever  glorious  morn  ! 
Up  from  old  Ocean  and  his  isles, 

Her  rosy  chariot  borne 
By  the  winged  steeds  of  Light, 
Spurning  far  the  shades  of  night ; 
While  Darkness  gathers  round  her  head 
Her  heavy  wings  which  late  lay  spread 

Wide  o'er  the  sleeping  world  ; 
She  quits  her  throne  ;  she  flies  away  — 
She  flings  up  her  usurped  way  — 

To  shame  and  exile  hurled. 
Thus,  Falsehood,  fly,  in  that  blest  hour. 
When  Truth  takes  up  for  aye  her  long  lost  right  and 


power 


104  MORNING. 


II. 


The  goddess  beautiful  and  bright ! 

She  waves  her  hand  on  high, 
And  straight  the  Sun  pours  forth  his  might 

And  splendour  o'er  the  sky. 
The  wakeful  lark  now  leaves  her  nest, 
And  bears  to  Heaven  the  guileless  breast ; 
The  eagle  rushes  strong  from  rest, 
To  meet  and  prove  his  burning  gaze 
Upon  the  Sun's  congenial  blaze. 

And  steal  his  golden  hue  ; 
Above  the  sphere  of  earth  to  soar, 
Till  e'en  the  native  cliff  no  more 

Points  to  his  piercing  view  ; 
Hail,  mighty  winged  creature,  there 
May  none  thy  high  dominion  share ; 
King  of  the  trackless,  sightless,  boundless  air  ! 

III. 

And  hail,  Aurora  !  still  by  thee 
Our  mother  Earth 's  caressed  ; 

And  in  return  we  worship  thee. 
Yea,  all  pronounce  thee  blest. 


MORNING. 


105 


Lo  !  they  come  from  greenwood  bowers, 
Bands  of  maids  with  fresh-culled  flowers ; 
To  thee  no  death  doomed  lamb  they  bring, 
Nor  burned,  nor  blood  stained  offering, 

To  deck  thy  turfy  shrine  ; 
But  swiftly,  gaily,  borne  aloft 
By  healthful  breeze,  thy  favours  oft 
They  tell,  thy  name  divine. 
Oh  !  grant  their  prayers,  inspire  their  praise. 
While  unto  thee  their  pure  and  thankful  chant  they  raise. 


IV. 


Fair  Morn !  though  light  and  fleet  thy  stay, 
Though  brief,  thy  brilliant  smile, 

Yet  balances  the  frowns  of  day. 

The  world's  great  woes,  and  wile ; 

Worship  of  self  and  gust  for  gain, 

And  all  the  rudeness  of  that  reign 

Which  worldly  usage  doth  maintain. 

I  dearly  love  to  look  on  thee, 

For  thou  an  earnest  art  to  me 

Though  short  thine  earthly  stay. 

Of  time  to  come  when  woe  shall  die, 


106  MORNINU. 

And  vice  and  falsehood  both  shall  fly, 

Oh  happy,  holy  day  ! 
Then  shall  the  just  soul  heavenward  borne, 
Leaving  the  dust  garb  it  had  worn, 
With  holy  passion  hail  Immortal  Morn  ! 


A    MYSTERY 


Friend  !  many  a  year  hath  passed 

Since  last  I  clasped  thine  hand  — 
It  may  be  we  shall  meet  no  more 

Till  in  the  Heavenly  land  ; 
Still  grief  can  ne'er  erase,  nor  joy 

Eclipse,  the  bliss  hath  been  ; 
And  us  one  ceaseless,  burning  thought 

Still  oscillates  between. 

And  yet  another  name  there  is, — 

The  fates  ask  always  three  — 
With  thine,  dear  friend,  and  mine  conjoined, 

In  endless  unity  ; 
Yet  all  are  severed,  as  by  death. 

At  destiny's  command ; 
And  though  a  thousand  read  these  lines 

But  twain  shall  understand. 


PRAYER 


Yea  !  even  here  as  everywhere,  let  man 
Worship  his  Recreator,  and  the  world  's 
Made  perfect  by  preliminary  fire. 

O  Thou,  who  in  the  inaccessible  depths 

Dwellest,  of  all  central  Being,  and  of  whom 

We  can  see  but  the  star  dust  of  Thy  feet. 

Left  on  Heaven's  roads  ;  from  world,  nathless,  to  world, 

From  firmament  to  firmament,  can  we  trace 

Each  soul  his  individual  link  with  Thee ; 

The  pure  invisible  touch  which  makes  us  Thine, 

The  something  more  substantial  than  the  sun, 

More  general  than  the  void,  yet  nested  here, 

As  through  the  airy  silence  of  the  soul 

Swifter  than  eagle  rushing  on  the  wind. 

Thou  sweep'st  into  possession  when  Thou  wilt. 

So  many  are  Thy  mercies  there  is  nought 


PRAYER.  109 

But  this  to  pray  for,  left ;  —  Continue  that 
Thou  givest !     To  cease  pertaineth  not  to  Thee. 

The  elements  may  all  confusedly  fail, 

And  burning  systems  stiffen  or  depart 

Into  their  graves  of  darkness  and  decay  ;  — 

The  Sun,  at  length,  exhausted  in  the  strife 

With  his  setherial  victor,  sleep  and  die ;  — 

And  firmaments  conglobe  them,  till  at  last 

The  universe  concentre  in  one  orb. 

Fit  for  Thy  footstool  only.     Change  like  this 

Ten  thousand  times  may  happen,  till  it  fall. 

To  the  observant  spirits  at  Thy  right  hand, 

Noteless  by  re-occurrence  ;  Man,  the  while. 

Restored  into  the  essence  whence  he  came,  — 

One  with  the  great  ones  who  have  dwelt  in  him, — 

Who  cannot  deal  with  less  than  infinities. 

Nor  utter  what  is  not  divine  and  true,  — 

Shall  ripen  in  Thy  bosom  till  he  grow. 

Through  endless  Heavens  triumphant  and  serene, 

Into  the  throned  God  thou  badst  him  be. 


HYMN, 


Who  shall  commemorate  all  Thy  chosen  names 
Thou  who  art  Sire  at  once  and  Son  of  man  ? 
Servant,  friend,  brother,  bridegroom,  husband,  Lord, 
Priest,  advocate,  physician,  teacher,  guide. 
King,  conqueror,  and  master,  world-adored ! 
Owner  of  all  things  here,  and  almoner  !  — 
Thou  the  Divine  Protagonist  of  time, 
The  everlasting  sacrifice  ;  the  world's 
Eternal  victim.  Thou,  and  victor  God! 
On  high  the  light  of  all  perfections,  here 
The  blessed  shadow  !  Sun  of  righteousness, 
And  star  of  wisdom,  lonely  in  the  Heavens  !  — 
The  cloud  of  glory  in  life's  wilderness. 
The  splendour  in  the  temple  ;  Temple,  rock, 
City  of  refuge  !     Branch  and  root,  and  vine  ! 
Tree,  too,  of  Life,  of  knowledge  !     Almond  tree 
First  flowering  from  the  wintry  world  of  death  !  — 


HYMN.  Ill 

Thou  too  the  olive,  whence  distils  the  oil 

Of  inspiration  for  the  elect  anoint !  — 

Robe,   sceptre,   crown,   and   shield !     Eye,  arm,  and 

head  !  — 
Earth's  corner  stone  and  architect  of  Heaven !  — 
Fire,  fountain,  river !     Sacrifice  for  sin. 
And  Sin  itself!     The  serpent  of  the  saved. 
The  Angel  of  redemption,  and  our  God  !  — 
Curse  trans-essentiate  into  blessing  1      Man, 
Angel,  and  Deity !     The  All  in  all. 
The  one  sole  Being  of  the  universe  ! 
The  Lord  of  armies,  and  the  Prince  of  Peace, 
Whose  humblest  follower  is  a  prince  with  God  !  — 
Our  fellow-heir  and  our  inheritance. 
Witness  and  Judge,  and  ransom  and  reward, 
Originator,  Mediator,  Fine  ! 
For  Thou  art  all  of  these,  and  Thou  alone  !  — 


KNOWLEDGE 


The  knowledge  of  God  is  the  wisdom  of  man  — 

This  is  the  end  of  Being,  wisdom  ;  this 

Of  wisdom,  action  ;  and  of  action,  rest  ; 

And  of  rest,  bliss ;  that  by  experience  sage 

Of  good  and  ill,  the  diametric  powers 

Which  thwart  the  worid,  the  thrice-born  might  discern 

That  death  divine  alone  can  perfect  both. 

The  mediate  and  initiate ;  that  between 

The  Deity  and  nothing,  nothing  is. 

The  Atlantean  axis  of  the  worid 

And  all  the  undescribed  circumference, 

Where  earth's  thick  breath  thins  off  to  blankest  space 

Uniting  with  inanity,  this  truth 

Confess,  the  sun-sire  and  the  death-worid  too. 

And  undeflected  spirit  pure  from  Heaven, 

That  He  who  makes,  destroying,  saves  the  whole. 


KNOWLEDGE.  113 

The  Former  and  Re-former  of  the  world 
In  wisdom's  holy  spirit  all  renew. 

To  know  this,  is  to  read  the  runes  of  old, 

Wrought  in  the  time-outlasting  rock  ;  to  see 

Unblinded  in  the  heart  of  light ;  to  feel 

Keen  through  the  soul,  the  same  essential  strain, 

Which  vivifies  the  clear  and  fire-eyed  stars, 

Still  harping  their  serene  and  silvery  spell 

In  the  perpetual  presence  of  the  skies, 

And  of  the  world-cored  calm,  where  silence  sits, 

In  secret  light  all  hidden  ;  this  to  know  — 

Brings  down  the  fiery  unction  from  on  high, 

The  spiritual  chrism  of  the  sun, 

Which  hallows  and  ordains  the  regnant  soul  — 

Transmutes  the  splendid  fluid  of  the  frame 

Into  a  fountain  of  divine  delight. 

And  renovative  nature  ;  —  shews  us  earth, 

One  with  the  great  galactic  line  of  life 

Which  parts  the  hemispheral  palm  of  Heaven  ; 

This  with  all  spheres  of  Being  makes  concord 

As  at  the  first  creation,  in  that  peace, 

Premotional,  preelemental,  prime. 

Which  is  the  hope  of  earth,  the  joy  of  Heaven, 


114  KNOWLEDGE. 

The  choice  of  the  elect,  the  grace  of  life, 
The  blessing  and  the  glory  of  our  God. 

And  —  as  the  vesper  hynmn  of  time  precedes 

The  starry  matins  of  Eternity, 

And  daybreak  of  existence  in  the  Heavens, — 

To  know  this,  is  to  know  we  shall  depart 

Into  the  storm  surrounding  calm  on  h'lah. 

The  sacred  cirque,  the  all-central  infinite 

Of  that  self  blessedness  wherein  abides 

Our  God,  all  kind,  all  loving,  all  beloved;  — 

To  feel  life  one  great  ritual,  and  its  laws. 

Writ  in  the  vital  rubric  of  the  blood, 

Flow  in  obedience  and  flow  out  command. 

In  sealike  circulation  ;  and  be  here 

Accepted  as  a  gift  by  Him  who  gives 

xVn  empire  as  an  alms,  nor  counts  it  aught, 

So  long  as  all  His  creatures  joy  in  Him, 

The  great  Rejoicer  of  the  Universe, 

Whom  all  the  boundless  spheres  of  Being  bless. 


THE   END. 


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